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Book fa Q>lh 



THE 



SEXUAL SYSTEM, 



AND 



MEDICALCOMPANION. 



EMBRACING 



A description of the Anatomy, Generative Functions, 

3Iarriage Conditions, and Special IHseases of 

the Male and Female Sexual System, 



WESLEY GJtINDLE, M.D., 

AUTHOR OF 

"ADULTERATED DRUGS AND MEDICINES," "PATHOLOGY 

AND TREATMENT OP PULMONARY CONSUMPTION," 

"NEW MEDICAL REVELATIONS," 

ETC., ETC. 



KXOW THYSELF. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
1864. 




A 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1S64, by 

WESLEY GRINDLE, M. D., 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern Distriot 
of Pennsylvania. 

STEREOTYPED BY WESTCOTT * THOMSON. 



itjr V 



PRINTED BY SMITH & PETERS, 

Franklin Building*, Sixth Street, below Arch, 
Philadelphia. 



CONTENTS. 



• HOB 

Preface. ~ » 



CHAPTER I. 

FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 

The pudendum or external organs — The mona veneris, labia majora, labia 
minora, clitoris, vestibule, meatus urinarius, urethra, and hymen de- 
scribed — Their abuses, diseases, and malformations noticed — Amputations 
of the nymphae and clitoris — Supposed hermaphrodites — The Lesbian 
love — The uses of the nymphse, clitoris, and hymen explained, and ludi- 
crous errors exposed — The internal genital organs — The vagina, womb, 
fallopian tubes, and ovaries described — Interesting cases of impotence 
from rigid contraction of the orifice of the vagina — The instinctive mo- 
tions of the fimbriated extremities of the fallopian tubes — The ovum or 
human egg — Its structures, minuteness, and wonderful capabilities con- 
sidered — The corpus luteum — The doctrine omnia ex ovo established — 
From Harvey 15 

CHAPTER II. 

ilALE GENITAL ORGANS. 

The penis, its form, dimensions, structures, attachments, etc. — The urethra, 
its curving direction, varying size, elasticity, prominences, depressions, 
etc. — A thorough knowledge of its anatomy necessary to treat strictures 
of the urethra — How the prepuce is formed — Circumcision, its origin, 
uses, etc.— The gians— The scrotum, its form and structures— The testes 
and their appendages—Epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, ejacu- 
latory ducts, etc. — Secreting structure of the testes consisting of minute 

3 



4 CONTENTS. 

PAG* 
tubes 3780 feet long — The passage of the semen — The spermatozoa, or 
male sperm-cells, their minuteness, forms, brisk motions, etc. — The repro- 
ductive element of the male semen — Are they real animalcules ? — Have 
they a sexual system ? — Their union with the ovum — Curious conjectures 
—Hereditary tendencies in, the spermatozoa and ovum— Important sug- 
gestions 43 

CHAPTER III. 

PUBERTY AND GENERATION. 

Sexual development — Menstruation in girls, and seminal fluid in boys — 
The period of puberty — Great variations — Premature and delayed men- 
struation — How often do the menses occur — The lunar superstition — 
Whole period of menstrual life — Interesting cases — Nature of the fluid, 
its odor in the breath, etc.— Is it blood or a secretion ? — Why it does not 
coagulate like blood — Its source and uses — How is it connected with 
child-bearing ? — Generation a condition of puberty— The sexual organs, 
amours, and generation of plants, and the lower animals — Interesting 
cases — Generation in the genus homo — Amusing theories of the ancient* 
— The true theory established by modern science — When and how tha 
ovum and spermatozoa come in contact — The mechanical, chemical, and 
vital forces of the vagina, womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries— The ulti- 
mate vital principle 66 

CHAPTER IV. 

MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 

Development of the conjugal feelings— The most proper age for marriages 
Interesting examples — Matrimonial scale — Courtship and marriage cus- 
toms in barbarous and semi-civilized countries — Ancient Britain and 
Scotland, Italy, Turkey, Africa, etc.— Amusing cases— The hymen as an 
evidence of virginity — Erroneous opinions — The Mosaic law — Unjust and 
oppressive laws and customs — The consummation of marriage— Physical 
disproportions condemned — Great men of illegitimate birth — Mental im- 
pressions transmitted to the offspring— Interesting cases— Napoleon, 
Queen Mary, etc., etc.— The charm of contrasts— Feminine men and 



CONTENTS. 5 

PA01 

masculine women — Qualifications of young people for the marriage re* 
lation — Domestic acquirements — The lady loafer — The blessedness of 
home — The advice of an oriental Brahmin — Marriage as a remedy — Un- 
just laws relating to marriages and divorces — When divorces are justifiable 
—Physical impediments— Caution, treatment, etc W 

CHAPTER V. 

PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 

Kxtra-uterine pregnancy — False pregnancy — The non-gravid womb — The 
change and enlargement of the womb during pregnancy — The origin, 
development, and uses of the membranes, placenta, umbilical cord and 
bag of waters — The appearance and size of the foetus at different periods 
of its development — The nutrition of the foetus — How the blood is puri- 
fied in the placenta, and the blood pabulum transmitted from the mo- 
ther to the foetus— Practical inferences — Diseases of the man communi- 
cated to the woman through the placenta — The likeness and peculiarities 
of the first husband communicated to the children of the second hus- 
band, etc. — The duration of pregnancy — Great variations — The Gardner 
peerage case — Duration of pregnancy in a crazy woman — Variations in 
the lower animals — Dr. Reid's table — The signs of pregnancy — Cessation 
of the menses— Morning sickness— Changes in the breasts — Quickening 
Form of the abdomen — Changes in the mouth and neck of the womb — 
Bebound of the foetus — Sounds of the foetal heart, etc , 128 

CHAPTER VI. 

PARTURITION OR LABOR. 

Vague thought&^f young married women concerning labor — A description 
of the female pelvis and the child's head — The movements of the bead 
in passing through the pelvis— How to determine when labor will com- 
mence—How to tell when conception takes place — At what periods may 
a woman conceive ? — Signs of approaching labor — Sensations of the fe- 
male — Subsidence of the womb — How to tell spurious from true labor 
pains — The show— How the first examination should be made, and its 
objects — Attention to the bowels, bladder, etc.— Labor divided into three 



6 CONTENTS. 

Mft 

stages — Character of the pains — Rigid os uteri — Rupture of the bag of 

waters — The descent of the head — The support of the perineum — Cord 
around the neck — The caul — The separation of the child — Horrible mis- 
takes — Delivery of the after-birth — Bandaging the mother— After pains, 
lochial discharge, etc.— Proper diet for the mother— Treatment of the 
child— When should it be put to the breast?— Substitutes for the mo- 
ther's milk— The bottle, the goat, and the wet-nurse 164 

CHAPTER VII. 

DISEASES OP FEMALES. 

Falling of the womb and other uterine displacements — Their causes, symp- 
toms, and treatment — Amenorrhoea or retention and suppression of the 
menses — Causes of retention of the menses — Want of development, 
stricture of the neck of the womb, imperforate hymen, and chlorosis— 
The symptoms and treatment — The causes, symptoms, and treatment of 
suppression of the menses — Dysmenorrhoea or painful menstruation- 
Condition of the womb — Causes, treatment, etc. — Menorrhagia or pro- 
fuse menstruation — Its terrible consequences — Its causes and treatment 
— Leucorrhcea or the whites— How it destroys the human face divine— 
The causes, treatment, etc. — Pruritus pudendi or excessive itching of the 
external genital organs— May continue for life if left to itself— Its de- 
scription, and the treatment recommended as infallible— Irritable blad- 
der — Painful desire to pass the water at short intervals — Its horrible eP 
focts if left to itself— may continue for life— The infallible cure 20* 

CHAPTER VIII. 

ABORTIONS OR MISCARRIAGES. 

W visions of the subject— Causes of abortions— Habit of the womb, death 
of the foetus, detachment of the placenta, external violence, strong 
mental emotions, etc. — Ludicrous case of abortion produced by anger- 
Symptoms of threatened miscarriage — Pain and hemorrhage — Howthey 
differ from pain and hemorrhage produced by other causes— The treat-, 
ment— When to save the foetus, and when to hasten its expulsion — When 
is it justifiable to induce miscarriages, or premature labor 7 Deformities 



CONTENTS. t 

MM 
ef the pelvis, retro-version of the womb, flooding during pregnancy, ex* 
cessive nausea and vomiting, habitual death of the foetus, etc.— Preg- 
nancy following rapes— Artful and wicked seductions— The civil laws- 
Horrible consequences of abortions produced by charlatans and patients 
themselves— A startling case— Advice and warning— An appeal to justice 
and humanity u 246 

CHAPTER IX. 

STERILITY AND IMPOTENCE. 

When justifiable to guard against pregnancy— Its practicability— Amusing 
humbugs — The influence of children upon parents — Interesting illustra- 
tions—Sterility in the male— How to detect it with the microscope — 
Causes and treatment of sterility in the male— Interesting and amusing 
cases— Causes of sterility in the female— Malformations, organic diseases, 
derangement of the menstrual function, unsuitable marriages, etc. — Un- 
known causes — An example — Remarks upon the treatment of sterility- 
Its curability — Impotence in the female — The causes and treatment- 
Impotence in the male common — The usual causes — malformations, con- 
tinued continence, anxiety and fear at the consummation of marriage- 
Sexual diseases and self-abuses the most frequent causes — Horrible con- 
sequences of seminal weakness, and impotence arising from self-abuses 
—Remarks upon the principles of treatment — Its curability — Important 
mechanical invention — Its great success...., 277 

CHAPTER X. 

UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 

Seminal weakness and self-pollution— Emissions during sleep— Those pro- 
duced by defecation and urination— Those occurring slowly and almost 
constantly — Detected by the microscope — Their destructive effects upon 
the system— Impotency, atrophy, etc. — Imbecility, insanity, epilepsy, 
paralysis, consumption, etc. — Startling description of Hufeland — Causes 
of seminal weakness — Sexual excesses, gonorrhceal and gleety dis- 
charges, masturbation, etc., etc.— Interesting case of treatment— What is 
masturbation ?— How to protect the young from such horrible pollution* 



8 CONTENTS. 

nil 

— Its destructive effects upon the mind and body — Quotation from the 
Rev. Dr. Adam Clarke — Quotation from Hippocrates — Priapism, atrophy, 
and insensibility of the organ — Disgusting and dangerous means to pro- 
duce erotic sensations — Startling account of the inn-keeper — The dis- 
gusting and horrible practices of Gabriel Gallien the shepherd of Lan- 
guedoo— Remarks upon the treatment of seminal weakness and mastur- - 
bation 309 

4 

CHAPTER XI. 

INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 

Gonorrhoea produced by infectious matter — Ludicrous ideas of some authors 
— The period of incubation — How the symptoms commence — Character 
of the discharge — The painful symptoms — Scalding in making water, 
swelled glands, chordee, phymosis, paraphymosis, swelled testicles, irri- 
table bladder, etc. — The formation of spasmodic and permanent stric- 
tures — Terrible consequences of bad treatment — Syphilis — The primary 
■ore or chancre — Its situation in males and females — Varieties ; hard, 
■oft, and sloughing — The whole virile member sometimes destroyed — The 
formation of syphilitic buboes — Constitutional syphilis most to be • 
dreaded — Dirty, scaly, copper-colored skin diseases, running sores, sore 
throat, destruction of the palate, and the nasal appendage, falling of the 
hair and eyebrows, diseases of the bones, joints, etc.— Syphilitic bron- 
chitis, paralysis, etc.— Why not reported in our bills of mortality— He- 
reditary transmissions— Fearful mortality of children— The treatment 
of such children— Remarks upon the treatment of primary and constitu- 
tional syphilis 343 



PREFACE. 



There is a universal custom among authors to present their 
works to the public by certain preliminary remarks, called a 
Preface which looks well enough mechanically, as a sort of handle 
to a book. Some authors carry this custom still further, and suc- 
ceed the preface by stringing together a number of paragraphs 
which they call an Introduction ; but the reader, conscious that this 
is a form without much substance, with a very slight notice, usually 
passes over all such preliminaries, and enters, at once, upon the pe- 
rusal of the body of the work. We hope, however, that this preface 
will be carefully perused by every one into whose hands the book 
may pass, for we have brought to light many startling, as well as 
practical truths, usually regarded as hidden things among eminent 
medical men, and some preliminary explanation, as to their cha- 
racter, design, arrangement, etc., seems necessary. 

No enlightened physician can doubt for a moment, that a sys- 
tematic work upon the sexual system of both sexes, designed for 
the reading masses of the American people, is greatly needed in the 
present state of society ,• for we constantly find large numbers of 
men and women laboring under the most fearful apprehensions re- 
lative to their physical condition, or afflicted with various weak- 
nesses, infirmities, and diseases of the most dangerous and loath- 
some character, all for the want of a little sound instruction con- 

y 



10 PREFACE. 

corning themselves — the manner in which they are made, the fane- 
tions of their sexual organs, the causes which induce debility 
and disease, and the best method of prevention and cure. Surely 
" The true study of man is man." 

To the best of our knowledge — and we have taken great pains to 
look into the matter — there is no work extant possessing the requi- 
site characteristics to guide and instruct the people upon these deli- 
cate subjects. Those voluminous works, designed for our medical 
colleges and libraries of physicians, filled with abstruse technicali- 
ties from the Greek and Latin, and the erudition of every branch 
of medical science, from anatomy to materia medica, cannot be read 
with profit by any man, except a physician, or student of medicine, 
in connection with a full course of medical study; They are, there- 
fore, entirely above the comprehension of non -professional readers, 
and to them must for ever remain sealed books. On the other hand, 
those insignificant works, designed for the people, and scattered 
broadcast over the land, emanate from men without learning, expe- 
rience, or reputation in the profession, and contain such a large ad- 
mixture of errors, vulgarities, and falsehoods, that they are only 
fit to be consigned to the flames, as they can only mislead, 
confuse, and perplex the reader, and render distasteful all such 
studies. 

To fill this gap in our popular literature, this work has been pre- 
pared with great care in the statement of facts, the arrangement of 
subjects, and the purity and elegance of style, which give it the 
high character of a correct instructor, and an entertaining com- 
panion, upon subjects of the most thrilling and vital interest to all 
classes of the community. It is divided, as the reader will perceive, 
into chapters, with the running contents of each- chapter prefixed. 
The reader, can, therefore, find many collateral and dependant sub* 
jects, not indicated in the heading of the chapters, by casting his 
eye over these contents ; many others he cannot find without read- 



PREFACE. 11 

in g the whole book, as our space, in this particular, has been greatlj 
limited. The book is, therefore, designed to be read, as well as pre- 
served for future reference. 

In the following brief outline the reader will perceive the sys- 
tematic arrangement of these subjects : — 

The first chapter is devoted to a description of the female genital 
organs, and their offices in the reproduction of the species. In the 
second chapter, we have described the male genital organs, and their 
functions in furnishing the male element of reproduction. In the 
third chapter, the reader will find an interesting and faithful de- 
scription of sexual development, or that period of life in both sexes 
when the generative faculty commences. The fourth chapter is on 
matrimony, in which those great physical, mental, and moral quali- 
ties, which lie at the foundation of happy marriages, and the peace 
and good order of society, are pressed home upon the understanding 
and consciences of our readers ; and many other thoughts of thrill- 
ing and practical interest, connected with the relations of the sexes, 
are freely divulged. In the fifth chapter, the reader will find a de- 
scription of gestation, in which we consider the development of the 
foetus, its appearance at different stages of gestation, and its nutri- 
tion ; the formation and growth of the membranes, the growth of 
the womb, etc., etc. The sixth chapter is devoted to a careful de- 
scription of the divinely appointed powers and processes of natural 
labor, its management, the care of the mother and the child, etc. 
In the seventh, we give a concise description of various diseases pe- 
culiar to the female organization. In the eighth, we treat of abor- 
tions and premature labors, which multitudes of ladies should read 
carefully and ponder well. In the ninth chapter, we. treat of 
sterility and impotency, subjects of the deepest interest to thou- 
sands who are barren from imprudences, or other causes, which the 
enlightened physician can remove. In the tenth chapter, the reader 
will find a portraiture of the destructive consequences of various 



12 PREFACE. 

kinds of sexual abuses and pollutions, which every young man, and 
many of riper years, should carefully ponder. The eleventh, and 
last chapter, consists of a treatise upon infectious sexual diseases, 
usually called venereal diseases, and semetimes bad diseases. Every 
person should have some correct knowledge of the nature of these 
diseases. It is too late to say that they are unsuitable subjects for 
the study of the young and innocent ; for the innocent may be con- 
taminated in various ways ; and the most efficient way of deterring 
them from the practice of vice, is to hold up before them the terrible 
consequences thereof. 

In withholding all engravings from this book, we have been in- 
fluenced by the two following reasons : 1. They can seldom be of 
service, except to the medical student, in connection with dissec- 
tions, preparations, casts, etc., but more frequently confuse than 
enlighten the general reader. 2. In a popular work upon the 
sexual system, pictures are always in bad taste, especially upon 
anatomical subjects. To every person of decent sensibilities, they 
appear vulgar and obscene, and tend to inflame the passions of 
young persons, and lead them into habits of licentiousness, degra- 
dation, and ruin. Every parent, therefore, into whose hands one 
of these dirty things may happen to fall, should defy the anger of 
Venus Fricatrix by indignantly throwing it into the fire. 

In treating these subjects, we have been obliged to use many, 
names derived from the Greek and Latin — especially the latter — 
sanctioned by long usage among medical men ; but when practicable 
we have followed them by a brief definition ; at other times, the 
connection in which they stand, renders their meaning clear enough. 
Our constant study has been, to make these delicate and important 
subjects clear and intelligible to the intelligent masses of non-pro- 
fessional readers, and as far as possible to avoid all language which 
could offend the sensibilities of sensible people. No doubt, there U 
a mock modesty which will pretend to be horrified at the discussion 



PREFACE. 13 

of some of these subjects, though they affect honor, reputation, 
health, and life itself. To such persons, the language of an old 
English king, when he picked up the lady's garter in a crowd, and 
presented it to her, seems appropriate — honi soit qui mal J pense ! 
This, therefore, is not a book to be hid away in trunks and closets, 
but having been read, it should be preserved for future reference, as 
an important addition to the family library. 

- Upon the nature and treatment of many of the abuses, infirmities, 
and diseases of the sexual system, we have spoken with great plain- 
ness and confidence, not in the spirit of boasting, nor professing to 
have outrun our professional brethren in general medical learning ; 
but while physicians of learning, who alone are capable of investi- 
gating these subjects, have almost entirely ignored #iem, especially 
in this country, we have devoted much time, and patient labor to 
their investigation and treatment which give us the right to speak 
with confidence. Indeed, the science of medicine is so extended, 
and the human family are subject to so many disorders, affecting 
the whole system generally, and every organ in particular, and these 
are so varied in their nature and treatment that it is impossible for 
any man to dabble in the routine of general practice for a whole 
life-time, and rise to eminence in any special branch of medicine — 
especially the complicated and difficult branch under consideration. 

Every physician who has an appointment in a large hospital, or 
in a respectable medical college, is assigned to a special department 
of medicine; and if he possesses talent, industry, and a good ob- 
servation, he may attain to a degree of eminence in that depart- 
ment. Hence, we have eminent surgeons, eminent physicians, emi- 
nent obstetricians, eminent pharmaceutics, etc., but it is almost im- 
possible for one man to obtain eminence in all these branches. 

In the New York University where we passed the greater portion 
of our pupilage, and, according to the custom of such institutions, 
were made Doctor of medicine, there were four cliniques, viz : 0n« 



14 PREFACE. 

surgical, one medical, one for the treatment of diseases of women 
and children, and one for the treatment of venereal and other sexual 
diseases ; and in pursuing our studies still further, we found similar 
arrangements abroad, and in other countries. In this way the in- 
terests of such institutions, and of the profession generally, are pro- 
moted, by bringing before the classes the greatest amount of skill 
and experience. Is it, therefore, strange, that the skillful and effi- 
cient treatment of the various and complicated infirmities and dan- 
gerous diseases of the male and female sexual system, should re- 
quire much study, investigation, and experience ? 

The late SirAstley Cooper, an English surgeon of great eminence, 
observed to his class : " Gentlemen, these are some of the arcana of 
the profession,^nto which you will not be readily admitted; it is 
not until you have contended long with popular prejudices, that 
you will be made acquainted with such important secrets. When 
forty years of practice shall have rolled over your heads, when you 
shall have the snows on the tops of the mountains, then, and not 
till then, will you be required to give your opinion on such weighty 
matters." 

Philadelphia, 1864. 



THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 



CHAPTER I. 

FEMAJLE genital organs. 

The pudendum or external organs— The mons veneris, labia majora, 
labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, meatus urinarius, urethra, and 
hymen described — Their abuses, diseases, and malformations no- 
ticed — Amputations of the nymphse and clitoris — Supposed her- 
maphrodites—The Lesbian love — The uses of the nymphae, clitoris, 
and hymen explained, and ludicrous errors exposed — The internal 
genital organs — The vagina, womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries 
described — Interesting case of impotence from rigid contraction 
of the orifide of the vagina — The instinctive motions of the fim- 
briated extremities of the fallopian tubes — The ovum or human 
egg — Its structures, minuteness, and wonderful capabilities con- 
sidered — The corpus luteum — The doctrine omnia ex ovo estab- 
lished. — From Harvey. 

The sexual system in the female consists of various or- 
gans, having as many names and special offices to perform 
in the generation of the species. For the purposes^f de- 
scription, they may be divided into the external and the 
internal, the former embracing those which are situated 
upon the outside of the pelvis, while the latter are pro- 
tected within the body of the female, no portion of which 

being brought into view except by the use of instruments. 

(15) 



16 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

It is evident, therefore, that the line of division is the 
entrance to the vagina. The external organs are sometimes 
included in the single name, pudendum. 

Persons not studied in anatomy are often greatly per- 
plexed to understand some of the terms which are usually- 
employed to designate the relations and positions of v£fcious 
parts of these organs. Thus, when we use the word ante- 
rior ', as applied to any part of the external organs, they 
think it should be superior, and when we use the word 
posterior ', they think the word inferior would better express 
the position of the part. But such confusion will disappear 
from the mind of the reader, if he reflect that all anatomi- 
cal descriptions regard the subject as being in the standing, 
and not in the sitting or lying posture. In such a posture, 
the intelligent reader will readily understand, ihat a hori- 
zontal line will be parallel to the fissure of the pudendum ; 
while in the lying posture, such a line would be at right- 
angles, or very nearly so, to the fissure. 

We often associate two of these words thus, anteropos- 
terior, from before backwards ; antero-superior, or we say, 
anterior superior, meaning before and above, etc. 

With this brief key to the use of these terms, we shall 
proceed to describe first the external, and secondly the in- 
ternal genital organs of the female. 

Mons Veneris literally signifies mount of love. It is 
situate in front of the symphysis pubis, being the anterior- 
superior portion of the external organs, and it consists 
chiefly of fibrous, cellular, and fatty tissue, covered with 
integument. It is rounded and more or leas prominent 



FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 17 

according to the amount of its tissue and the prominence 
of the bone on which it is situated. At puberty it is 
covered with hair. It is not known to possess any function, 
or to be of any use in the sexual economy, except to pre- 
vent injury from any undue violence or pressure in the in- 
tercourse of the sexes. For this purpose it forms a sort 
of cushion. It also gives the characteristic rotundity and 
loveliness to the female form. 

This structure, like some other parts of the genital organs, 
is liable to active inflammations, at any age of the patient, 
which, without timely and efficient treatment, may run on 
to produce abscesses, and burrowing fistulous openings, 
causing much suffering, and a long, tedious recovery. 

Labia Majora literally signifies the large lips. They 
are also called the labia externa, or the external lips of the 
vagina. They consist of two thick folds of integument, 
cellular and fatty tissue, and extend from the inferior and 
central part of the mons veneris to the perineum behind — 
the perineum being the structure between the vagina and 
the anus, which is about one and a half inches in extent. 

At puberty, the labia majora are more or less covered 
with hair, and their general form is semi-lunar or like a 
half-moon. Where they meet behind and disappear into 
the perineum we find a fold of mucous membrane stretch- 
ing across and binding the two folds of the lips more closely 
together. This is about as thick and strong as the frenum 
or bridle of the penis, and it is called the fourchette or 
frenum* of the vagina.. It is often ruptured at the first 
labor ; and it is, therefore, of some consequence, together 



18 rin: SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

with other evidences, in deciding the question as to the 
delivery of a child. There is a little space between the 
fourchette and the posterior border of the orifice of the 
vagina, which is called the fossa navicularis, literally signi- 
fying a little ship. 

, The internal surfaces of the labia majora are smooth and 
moist with a mucous secretion, and in the young they are 
of a pink color, while in the old they have a pale or livid 
hue, and they resemble the mucous membranes of other 
parts. In virgins, these surfaces are closely in contact ; 
but in women who have born children, they remain more 
or less separated. The anatomical name of the space be- 
tween the labia majora is the vulva ; and we will here call 
attention to a misapplication of this term by many writers. 
It is frequently used by such to denote the labia majora 
themselves, and hence, when they describe the diseases of 
these parts there is some difficulty in getting their precise 
meaning. We repeat, therefore, that the term refers simply 
to the space between the labia majora, or more properly 
speaking, to the mucous surfaces brought into view by 
separating the lips, and the term should be used in no 
other sense. 

The labia majora arc very elastic, and their principal use 
seems to be to favor the dilatation of the parts during partu- 
rition ; for during the passage of the child's head, they are 
so distended that their form entirely disappears, returning, 
however, to their normal condition after the labor is com- 
pleted. They are subject to various diseases, such as in- 
flammation, infiltrations, fatty growths, eruptions, excoria- 



FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 19 

tions, itchings, etc. ; and their surfaces sometimes adhere 
or grow together. This latter condition is sometimes found 
to exist at birth, but it most frequently takes place in the 
adult, as the result of excoriations and uncleanliness. The 
mucous and sebateous glands, which in health secrete a 
fluid to lubricate the parts, and to protect them from the 
consequences of friction, will through some morbid influ- 
ence, sometimes pour out an acrid irritating material, which 
inflames and excoriates the internal surfaces of the labia ; 
and if the female be married, this acrid secretion, it is sup- 
posed by some authors may produce in the husband a sort 
of gonorrhoeal discharge. Great caution is, therefore, re- 
quired, on the part of the practitioner, not to confound such 
an affection with true venereal disease. 

Labia Minora litteraUy signifies the lesser lips. They 
are sometimes called the labia interna or the internal lips ; 
but more frequently they are spoken of as the nymphae, 
whence is derived the English word nymph, signifying a 
goddess of the woods, meadows, and waters ; and some- 
times lewd and immodest girls, and flirts, are called nymphs. 
The labia minora are two folds of mucous membrane situ- 
ated within the labia majora, and extending from the 
superior junction of the latter to the middle of the vaginal 
orifice, where they disappear into the other structures. 
They have a free margin like a cock's comb, and are well 
supplied with nerves, and some erectile tissue is found in 
their structure. In virgins, they are concealed within the 
vulva, but in women who have born children, they are more 
or less elongated, and often protrude beyond the vulva, and 



20 HIE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

they change from the virgin pink to the brownish color as 
age advances. 

In the Hindoos, Persians, Hottentots, etc. , the nymphae 
are sometimes greatly elongated, and form most inconve- 
nient flaps, somewhat resembling a dog's ears. Travelers 
have described these dog's ears as extending the enormous 
length of six or eight inches, and they are not unfrequently 
removed by the knife of the surgeon. . Unlike the large 
lips they do not disappear during parturition, and investi- 
gators have been puzzled to ascertain their uses. They 
were supposed by the early writers to be serviceable during 
micturition in giving direction to the stream of urine, but 
this notion is now abandoned, for they do not seem to be 
arranged in such a manner as to fulfill any such purpose. 
It has also been supposed that they favor the dilatation of 
the vaginal orifice during labor, but a sufficient refutation 
of such an hypothesis, is found in the fact that they do not 
disappear, as we have already stated, during such dilatation, 
which any one who attends a case of labor, can verify for 
himself. In order to favor the dilatation of the passage 
for the escape of the child, it would be necessary to put 
them upon the stretch, so that, for the time being, they 
would lose their crescentic form, and disappear into the 
surrounding parts, which, as we have said, does not take 
place. Another doctrine is that, as the nymphae increase 
the extent of surface sensibility, the pleasurable excitement 
upon the approaches of the sexes must also be increased as 
a necessary appendage of the generative powers. This is 
the most reasonable doctrine, for we know that pleasure is 



FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 21 

a necessary concomitant of generation. Most people are 
too selfish to propagate their species from a sense of duty 
alone. If it is bitter in the belly it must be sweet in the 
mouth. 

The nymphse are liable to eruptions, excoriations, itch- 
ings, and a high state of venereal furor or excitement, often 
becoming exceedingly troublesome. There is a disease 
called nymphomania, because it was supposed to be seated 
in the nymphae, which consists in an insatiable and uncon- 
trollable desire for venereal indulgence. It occurs most 
frequently in females of a nervous temperament excited by 
masturbation, obscene pictures, lascivious prints, or what- 
ever keeps the organs in a state of excitement, and the 
imagination filled with voluptuous thoughts. 

The Clitoris. — This word, according to Dunglison the 
learned lexicographer, is from the Greek x^i™^ and liter- 
ally signifies " a servant who invites guests." This name, 
as well as many others in our medical nomenclature, shows 
that the older anatomists were in the habit of giving names 
to various parts of the body suggested by vulgar and trivial 
circumstances. A servant who invites guests ! not always 
politely, perhaps. It is sometimes called penis muliebris, 
which, translated into plain English, means a woman's 
penis. • 

This is a. small rounded body, not larger than the end of 
a child's little finger, situate within the anterior part of 
the vulva, and receiving from the labia minora a covering 
called the prepuce of the clitoris. It also has a double 
frenum consisting of very small folds of membrane. That 



22 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

portion of the clitoris brought into view by separating the 
large lips, is its head or glans merely ; the body being 
directed above and concealed from view by the other struc- 
tures. The glans and the body together, are ordinarily 
about one inch long. Like the penis, it is attached to 
the pubic bone by two crura, and it has the' capability 
of being erected under sexual excitement ; indeed, its body 
consists of the same structure, which makes up the larger 
portion of the penis, the corpora cavernosa. 

It is usually stated by authors, that this little insignifi- 
cant organ is the principal seat of pleasure in the inter- 
course of the sexes ; but this doctrine, to our mind, is very 
questionable. The notion seems to be merely traditionary, 
having been handed down from the days of Aristotle to 
the present time, and endorsed by the whole profession 
without an inquiry as to its soundness. 

The clitoris is undoubtedly a mere analogue of the male 
penis ; a slight attempt, as it were, to develope in the 
female an organ which is essential only to the male sex. 
The same analogy is found to exist between other parts of 
the male and female sexual organs. The male mamilla- 
ries, for instance, are far from being fully developed organs. 
They seem to have no office to perform, and they are re- 
garded as mere rudimentary analogues of 'the well developed 
female breasts so indispensable in furnishing nourishment 
for her offspring. We cannot, therefore, ascribe to the 
clitoris the important office of being the principal seat of 
the sexual organism. But by subjecting this little organ 
to friction, as in masturbation-ra most miserable degrading 



FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 23 

practice by the wayYwe suppose it may be the seat of 
considerable lascivious excitement ; but in the legitimate 
connection of the sexes, it is quite different ; the vagina 
must, in such cases, be the chief seat of pleasure, which is 
thence distributed to other portions of the sexual aparatus, 
the clitoris being no more excited than other parts of the 
external organs. 

As a malformation, the clitoris is sometimes so elongated 
as to resemble the penis of a lad before puberty, and de- 
ceive the female as to her true sex. Many cases are on 
record, where females with this malformation have been 
attired and reared from infancy as males, and have ac- 
quired the habits of the rougher sex, and passed in the 
world as such, till, by some accidental circumstance, their 
true sex was discovered. Such cases were once known as 
hermaphrodites. It is recorded of the Abyssinian women, 
and some other races, that this organ so often attains such 
an enormous length as to establish the custom of removing 
it with the knife of the surgeon. At the time the Abys- 
einians were converted to Christianity, an effort was made 
to abolish this species of circumcision as a remnant of 
paganism, but the men rebelled against the innovation ; 
and the Roman Pontiff was compelled to restore the cus- 
tom. The lustful embraces of women with each other, 
# called the Lesbian Love, no doubt had its origin in such 
malformations, or the attempt to satisfy the sexual instinct 
between a so-called hermaphrodite and a virgin. This re- 
volting practice derived its name from the Island of Lesbos 
where it is said to have been practiced by Sappho the eele- 



24 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

brated poetess. In ancient Rome, and in Paris, before the 
first French revolution, we are informed that societies of 
such women existed. In the latter place they styled them- 
selves the vestals, a name signifying the consecration of 
virgins to a life of celibacy and chastity. 

The Vestibule, Meatus Urinarius and Urethra. — 
Bounded in front by the clitoris, on either side by the 
nymphae, and behind by the meatus urinarius, we find a 
small triangular space, to which the name vestibule ha9 
been given. As the vestibule, or entrance to a build- 
ing, is at the front part of the building, so this smooth 
little space is immediately in front of the orifice of the 
vagina ; hence its name. It is occasionally studded with 
small fleshy excrescences, which may give rise to mucous 
discharges, and it is often the seat of very annoying and 
persistent itching, which we have noticed more fully under 
the head of Pruritus Pudendi in our chapter on female 
diseases. 

At the anterior part of the orifice of the vagina, we find 
a little pad-like prominence about as large over as the 
widow's mite, or a gold dollar, which is depressed in the 
centre. This is the external opening of the urethra, called 
the meatus urinarius. It is easily recognized by the finger ; 
and is, therefore, a good guide for the physician when it is 
necessary to introduce the catheter to draw off the urine, 
enabling him to perform the operation without the ex- 
posure of the female. The female urethra is, strictly 
speaking, an internal organ, but we will describe it in con- 
nection with its external opening, the meatus urinarius. 



FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 25 

It is about one inch and a quarter long, and extends 
backwards through the anterior wall of the vagina, and 
^lightly upwards into the bladder. Its structure consists of 
cellular tissue, with some muscular fibres, and a lining of 
mucous membrane continuous with that of the bladder. 
This canal is very dilatable, and in consequence of this, 
and also its shortness, stone in the female bladder is com- 
paratively unfrequent, for the nucleus of formation is easily 
washed out of the bladder at the time of voiding the urine. 
The Hymen. — This is a Greek word which literally 
signifies marriage, nuptial song, etc. , and hence it is used 
by anatomists as the name of a membrane which stretches 
across the orifice of the vagina, and is usually ruptured 
upon the consummation of the marriage rite, or at the first 
sexual intercourse. It is semi-lunar in form, with an 
opening in front to the vagina. Sometimes there is an 
opening behind, and at other times the membrane grows 
around the entire orifice, and is perforated with one or 
more small holes. Again, the hymen is occasionally im- 
perforate, that is, it entirely closes the orifice to the vagina, 
having no hole through it. In such a predicament, when 
the girl arrives to puberty, there can be no escape of the 
menstrual fluid, which remains pent up, as it were, in the 
vagina and womb, causing the patient great suffering and 
sometimes simulating pregnancy. The reader will find 
this condition more fully pointed out under the head of 
amenorrhoea, in our chapter upon female diseases. The 
remedy is very simple, in the hands of a skillful physician, 
and no time should be lost in seeking relief. 



26 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

The hymen is sometimes spoken of by the older anato- 
mists, as the flos virginalis, which means the flower of the 
virgin, and when she is deprived of it, she is said to be de- 
flowered. The remains of this membrane, after it has 
been ruptured, consist of a number of little folds, called 
the carunculas myrtiformes, from theip supposed resem- 
blance to myrtle leaves. Upon these little folds we have 
seen ulcerating sores, soon after marriage, as the result of 
too frequent intercourse, which had led to the suspicion 
of the patient having contracted venereal disease. In 
such a case, the medical man cannot be too careful in pro- 
nouncing his opinion ; for the well-being and happiness of 
the parties may be destroyed by his ignorance, or secured 
by his ability to form a correct diagnosis. 

But what use does the hymen subserve ? One writer, 
who holds the position of professor in a Medical College 
— whose name we prefer to suppress — makes the uncouth 
and unfounded statement, that the rupture of the hymen 
increases the sexual delight, and he seems to suppose that 
this is its only use. But we think the whole sisterhood of 
married ladies will give the contradiction to such a state- 
ment. So far as the rupture of the hymen is concerned, 
there is pain instead of pleasure, which accords with the 
statement that, in pain shall a woman " conceive and bring 
forth;" and experience shows that, as a general thing, 
some little time must elapse after marriage, before the 
female is fully prepared to enjoy the pleasures of the 
nuptual couch. 

The hymen does not exist in the lower animals, and its 



FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 27 

use in the genus homo seems to be of a moral, rather than 
a physical character. Its existence, at the time of mar- 
riage, has always been regarded as evidence of virginity, 
and its absence as proof of unchastity. Its existence 
should not, therefore, be regarded as a trivial and unim- 
portant circumstance, for when man ceases to place the 
highest value upon the virtue of her, whom he chooses to 
be his life companion, and the mother of his children, so- 
ciety must, indeed, retrograde, and fall into a state of de- 
pravity and discord, worse than barbarism. 

But this evidence of virginity, or a want of virginity, 
is liable to many exceptions ; and to avoid, with as much 
care as possible, any unjust reflection upon virtuous females, 
we have fully explained the whole subject in our chapter 
on Matrimony or Marriage, to which we refer the 
inquisitive. 

The Pars Intermedia, and bulbous vestibule, consist of 
a series of enlarged and convoluted venous channels belong- 
ing to the external organs, and covered in by the labia 
majora. To give a minute description of these, in a popu- 
lar work like the present, would not be profitable to our 
readers. We also find certain sebaceous and muciparous 
glands, imbedded in these organs, which we shall pass over 
with this simple notice of their existence. 

Let us now proceed to describe the internal female geni- 
tal organs. These consist of the vagina, the uterus or 
womb, the fallopian tubes, and the ovaries. 

The Yagina, literally signifying a sheath, is a cylindri- 
cal canal, extending from the vulva to the neck of the 



28 THE SfXUAL SYSTEM. 

womb, which it embraces. It is not, as many suppose, a 
straight canal, but it is somewhat curved to correspond 
with the axes of the pelvis ; consequently the concavity of 
the curve is in front, and the convexity behind. It is com- 
posed of three tissues, tor coats, the external or cellular, 
the middle or muscular, and the internal or mucous, thus 
forming a thick, tough canal. Extending the whole length 
of the vagina, both upon its anterior and posterior walls, 
we find two columns called the raphe, from which arise 
numerous transverse folds of mucous membrane, which are 
called the rugae. These are most numerous at the inferior 
portion of the canal, and very distinct in virgins, but 
almost entirely absent after the birth of several children. 
Their chief use is evidently to allow of the necessary dis- 
tention of the canal during parturition. 

The vagina is well supplied with blood-vessels, and 
nerves, which are found in the greatest abundance at the 
lower extremity. The middle coat contains some erectile 
tissue, which gives it the character of an erectile organ ; 
and by its outward coat it is connected to the surrounding 
parts. In front, it is in relation with the urethra and a 
portion of the bladder ; and behind, with the perineum and 
the rectum. Its middle portion is in contact with the rec- 
tum, illustrating, according to the ethics of an old anatpmist 
the truth of the adage, that there is but one step from the 
sublime to the ridiculous. In the quiescent state, the 
vagina is never an open canal ; but, on the contrary, it is 
entirely closed by the contact of the anterior and posterior 
walls. At its orifice we find a few attenuated muscular 



FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 29 

fibres, which are denominated the constrictor vaginae muscle. 
This is but slightly under the control of the will, which 
may be proved by throwing an injection into the vagina, 
when it will be found that the female cannot sufficiently con- 
strict the orifice to prevent the escape of the fluid. Its 
action is, therefore, involuntary, and just sufficient to keep 
the parts closed when there is no distending force ; but by 
sexual abuses, various diseases, and frequent parturitions, 
it loses, in a measure, its healthful tonicity, and as a weary 
sentinel at the gate of the citadel, performs its duty in a 
very sluggish manner. 

The average length of the vagina may be set down at 
four inches and a half, and the extremes, in a normal con- 
dition, at three inches for the minimum, and six inches for 
the maximum length. It is shorter and more capacious 
in women who have borne children, than in the adult virgin. 
Its average diameter is about one inch, but it is larger in 
some portions of its extent than in others, being constricted 
at its commencement, but slightly dilated as it approaches 
the womb. 

The vagina being a curved canal, with the convexity 
behind, its posterior is always longer than its anterior wall, 
the difference being nearly one inch. 

The average length of the vaginal canal as laid down in 
many of our text-books upon anatomy, is somewhat over- 
stated. Our attention was once particularly called to this 
subject, and th« frequent examinations, which it has been 
necessary to make during the course of our practice, and 
our measurements in the dissecting room, confirm the cor- 



30 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

rectness of our present estimate. Some of these works 
make the vagina about one inch longer than our estimate, 
which is certainly erroneous. Moreover, we never have 
any trouble in reaching the mouth of the womb with our 
index finger, which, making all proper allowances for the 
straight direction of the finger, the vagina being curved, 
and also for the yielding of the external soft parts upon 
the pressure of the hand, could not so easily be accom- 
plished, if the estimates of these authors were literally 
correct. 

The orifice of the vagina is sometimes exceedingly rigid, 
and so firmly contracted, as to resist all attempts at the 
marriage consummation, even when the hymen interposes no 
material resistance. A very interesting case of this de- 
scription came under our treatment a few years ago. A 
gentleman residing in another state, and occupying a re- 
spectable position in society, had been married some three 
years, and was unable, during that long time, to effect the 
nuptial right. Of course, he supposed there was some in- 
curable malformation, and resigned himself to his fate with 
as good grace as he could command. Finally, 'he concluded 
to seek medical advice, and after a short correspondence, 
brought his wife here for treatment. Upon ascertaining 
the real condition of things, we had a number of bougies 
made of different materials and various sizes, suited to 
this particular case, which we very carefully but persever- 
ingly introduced into the vagina, succeeding a smaller by 
a larger, from time to time, as the condition of the parts 
might justify. This treatment we accompanied with other 



FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 31 

remedial measures calculated to relax the rigid structures, 
such as injections of warm water into the vagina, warm 
baths, Belladonna ointment rubbed well upon the rigid 
structures, and such internal treatment as we deemed ap- 
propriate to the general health and the local condition. 
The result was that in about two weeks we had succeeded 
in dilating the orifice sufficiently for all practical purposes. 
We then suggested to the husband that it might not be 
necessary to carry our treatment further, which seemed to 
meet his heart-felt approbation ; and upon the next day, he 
came hurriedly into our office, with his face beaming with 
delight, and looking a little sheepish withal, and ex- 
claimed ! — On second thought we will not repeat his lan- 
guage, but the unmistakable signification thereof was that, 
our dilating services would no longer be required. 

The Uterus, or womb, is situated in the pelvis, above 
and in front of the superior extremity of the vagina, be- 
tween the bladder and rectum, with the small intestines 
above. Anatomists divide this organ into three parts, viz. : 
the fundus, which is the upper and broader portion ; the 
cervix or neck, which is the inferior cylindrical portion ; 
and the body, which is all that portion included between 
the fundus and the neck. The os uteri, sometimes called 
the os tincae, or in plain English the mouth of the womb, 
is the opening of the vaginal extremity of the neck. In 
the virgin it is somewhat triangular, or circular and very 
smooth, but in the woman who has borne children it is 
transverse, and more or less wrinkled or ragged. The 
lips of the os uteri vary somewhat in size, the anterior 



32 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

being shorter and a little thicker than the posterior. The 
vagina is attached to the neck which it completely encircles, 
so as to leave a portion of the neck projecting into the 
canal ; and the space included between that portion of the 
neck, and the superior extremity of the vagina, is known 
as the vaginal cul de sac. This cul de sac is the greatest 
behind, as the vagina is attached to the neck further up 
on its posterior than on its anterior portion. 

Most persons, not students of anatomy, entertain very 
erroneous views as to the size and shape of this child-bear- 
ing organ. The general impression seems to be, that it is 
about as large as a man's two fists, having a cavity that will 
hold about as much as a tea-cup. At the full term of gesta- 
tion, it is true, the womb attains an enormous bulk; but in 
the adult virgin, it is a very small organ, being about three 
.inches long, one and a half or two inches wide at its 
broadest portion, one inch thick, and about one inch in 
diameter at the neck. It does not usually exceed one 
ounce and a half in weight. In women who have borne 
children, however, the unimpregnated womb never entirely 
returns to its virgin size, but weighs about two ounces and 
a half. But if it be removed at the full term of gestation, 
and entirely freed of its contents, it will be found to weigh 
about three and a half pounds. 

The cavity of the womb in the adult virgin, is about as 
large as a split-almond, its walls are nearly or quite in con- 
tact, the canal which extends through the neck is not 
. much larger than a large sized pipe-stem, and it is con- 



FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 33 

siderably constricted where it opens into the cavity, forming 
the internal os uteri. 

Upon its posterior surface the womb is quite convex, 
and slightly so upon its anterior surface. In the virgin it 
is quite flat upon its top ; but in the woman who has borne 
children it is considerably rounded. Its neck, mouth, 
and lips, which are brought into view by the speculum, 
are larger and somewhat differently shaped in a woman 
who has borne a child, than in the virgin. This may be re- 
garded as infallible evidence that the female has borne a 
child. In form, the womb has been compared to a flask 
with its mouth turned downward, but a flattened pear will, 
perhaps, convey a better idea of the general appearance 
of this organ. 

The substance of the womb consists of three structures. 
The outer, is a covering of peritoneum such as invests the 
viscera generally; the middle is a thick muscular structure, 
consisting of transverse, longitudinal, and oblique fibres ; 
and internally we have a lining of mucous membrane. la 
the neck of the womb we find a number of small glands, 
which become enlarged during pregnancy, and secrete an 
abundance of mucous fluid to keep the parts well lubri- 
cated. The membrane lining the canal of the neck is 
arranged into folds, and enlarged during pregnancy, re- 
sembling a tree with its numerous branches. This is 
called the arbor vitae, or tree of life, described by the older 
authors. Upon the mucous membrane of the uterus, 
especially in its neck, we find great numbers of minute 
hair-like projections, so small that* they can be seen only 
S 



>34 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

under the microscope. They are called the cilia. They 
are endowed with vitality, and are constantly in motion, 
resembling the wave-like oscillations of a field of wheat, 
set in motion by the wind. It was once supposed that they 
had the important office to fulfill of assisting in the trans- 
mission of the male spermatic fluid to its destination. But 
this is proved to be erroneous, for wherever they are found 
• — and they are found in other passages of the body — their 
motions are such as to convey the secretions towards the 
outlet. 

The womb is held in its place by the vagina below, and a 
number of ligaments extending from the organ in various 
directions. We have the broad ligaments passing off at 
the sides, the anterior ligament, which passes from the 
uterus to the bladder, and the posterior ligament, which 
extends from the posterior part of the neck of the womb 
v to the rectum. These four ligaments, are simply folds of 
. the outer covering of the womb, reflected, as it were, to 
other organs. We also have two round ligaments extend- 
ing from the sides of the fundus of the womb to the labia 
majora, the right being a little shorter than the left, so 
that during pregnancy the womb is inclined a little to the 
right side of the mother. 

From the position of the uterus, and the yielding char- 
■acter of the ligaments and the vagina, which holds it in 
position, it is capable of considerable mobility, even in its 
natural condition. By an over distended bladder, it may 
be made to yield backwards, and by an accumulation of 
faeces in the rectum, it may be pushed upon from behind, 



FE3IALE GENITAL ORGANS. 35 

and made to yield forwards, and by the pressure of the in- 
testines from above, as in lifting, coughing, or an effort at 
bearing down, it may be made to sink lower in the pelvis, 
and by pressure from below upwards, it may be made to 
rise higher. An explanation of the displacements of this 
organ, constituting disease, will be found in its proper place. 
The Fallopian Tubes, one on each side, arise from the 
superior lateral angles of the womb. They are sometimes 
called the ovaducts, that is, the ducts of the ovaries. Every 
gland that performs any known function must have a duct 
to convey away its secretion. The ovaries are glands, and 
the fallopian tubes must be regarded as their ducts. They 
are four or five inches long and consist of three structures, 
a serous, muscular, and mucous. They are somewhat fun- 
nel-shaped, being hardly large enough where they open into 
the womb, to admit a small sized knitting-needle, while at 
the other extremity they are about as large as a good sized 
goose-quill. Unlike the ducts of other glands, the fallopian 
tubes are not connected to the ovaries except by a ligament- 
ous cord. Their outer extremities are, therefore, free 
and somewhat remarkable for being divided into a number 
of fringe-like processes, called the corpus fimbriatum. 
These fringe-like bodies seem to be endowed with instinc- 
tive life, as they seize the ovaries, and receive into their 
hand-like grasp the ovum when ripe, and ready to be con- 
ducted through the tubes to the womb. It was formerly 
supposed that this action took place only at the time of 
sexual intercourse, or under the influence of venereal ex- 
citement, and it was called morsm diaboli, which signifies, 



36 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

when translated into plain English, the devil's bite. The 
appropriateness, as well as delicacy of such a name, we 
must leave to the imagination of our readers. 

The fallopian tubes have a double office to perform. 
They not only receive the ovum furnished by the ovary, 
and convey it to the womb, but they also convey the fecun- 
dating element of the male semen in the direction of the 
ovary, till it comes in contact with the ovum, producing 
fecundation. But this will be explained more fully in our 
chapter on puberty and generation. 

Like other portions of the sexual aparatus, the fallopian 
tubes are liable to malformations, and diseases, interfering 
with, or entirely preventing the fulfillment of their health- 
ful functions. But such cases must be regarded as exceed- 
ingly rare, and as there are no means by which we can 
positively determine their existence during life, it is hardly 
proper, as a general rule, to be influenced by the supposi- 
tion of their existence, in our efforts to cure sterility in the 
female. 

The Ovaries. — These are two glandular bodies, situated 
on either side of the uterus, and connected to that organ 
by means of rounded cords, called the ligaments of the 
ovaries. They are flattened, oblong, and ovoid bodies, or 
almond-shaped, nearly as large as the male testes. They 
are sometimes called the testes muliebris, which means, the 
female testes. Being developed in the broad ligaments 
which consist of two layers of peritoneum, reflected from 
the womb, their external covering is the same as that of 
the womb : and also the same as that of the fallopian 



FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 37 

tubes. Beneath this we find a tissue of dense fibrous 
membrane, called the tunica albuginia, because it is a 
white investment, and still beneath this we come to 
the true structure of the ovaries called the stroma. It is 
a cellulo-fibrous structure, commingled with some muscular 
fibres, and abundantly supplied with blood-vessels which 
give it a bright red color. The stroma, signifying a bed, 
is so called because it seems to form a sort of concealment 
or covering for the development of the female germ-cells, 
which we shall now proceed to describe. 

Upon cutting into the ovary, there may be discovered 
fifteen or twenty small sacks, varying in size from a pm's 
head to a pea, first pointed out by De Graaf, in 1673 ; 
hence, they have received the name of the Graafian sacks, 
follicles, or vesicles. They are discovered in a rudimen- 
tary condition in the ovaries of infants and young children, 
being limited mostly, at that period of life, to the surface 
of the ovary, not one coming to maturity till puberty. 
Each Graafian follicle consists of two membranes adhering 
to each other, the outer of which is derived from the, 
stroma of the ovary, while the inner is independent 
of that body, and has adhering to its internal surface a 
certain amount of very fine granular substance sorne- 
times called the membrana granulosa. These membranes 
constitute the follicle, and the contents of the follicle 
are an albuminous fluid, certain granular matter, and the 
ovum. 

Keeping in view the difference between the Graafian 
follicle, and the ovum which it contains, while it remains 



3d THE SEXUAL SYSTEM* 

i 

in the ovary, a very brief description will suffice to give the 
reader a sort of general knowledge of this wonderful struc- 
ture, and its more wonderful phenomena. 

The human ovum is exceedingly small, being no more 
than ~ of an inch in diameter, or the size of a mere pin's 
point, hardly large enough to be seen distinctly with the 
naked eye ; still it contains all the parts and structures of 
the egg of the common fowl, or the ostrich. It has five 
distinct parts, viz. : a granular substance, called the mem- 
brana granulosa, which adheres to a colorless albuminous 
membrane, called the zona pellucida, which surrounds the 
vitellus or the yolk ; and within the yolk we have the ger- 
minal vesicle, and still within that the germinal spot, 
which is the life-force out of which the new being is to 
evolve. As these structures can be seen only under the 
microscope, and as the human egg is obtained with great 
difficulty, a more detailed description, in a work like the 
present, would be entirely useless. Its minuteness, but 
more especially its capabilities, under favorable circum- 
stances, of which we shall have more to say in the proper 
place, are the chief thoughts connected with this subject, 
calculated most deeply to impress the reflecting mind with 
the mystery, as well as the majesty, of nature's forces. 
Surely man is made from the dust of the earth ! 

But by what process is the ovum made to escape from 
the ovary, and the Graafian follicle? The explanation 
given by physiologists generally, is in substance, as follows : 
As the follicle and the ovum within advance towards 
ripening, an increased amount of albuminous fluid is grad- 



FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 39 

tially and constantly being collected within the follicle, 
which pushes it, as it were, toward the surface of the 
ovary. This ^ pressure constantly continued, is deemed 
sufficient to cause the absorption of the coverings of the 
ovary, and also the tissues of the follicle, till they become 
bo attenuated that they lo3e their power of resistence, when 
they rupture and the ovum escapes, the fimbriated ex- 
tremity of the fallopian tubes, at the same time, grasping 
the ovary to receive and conduct it onward to the womb. 
This explanation, the reader will observe, makes the process 
somewhat mechanical; but the process may be entirely 
physiological, that is, the absorption and rupture of the 
membranes may result from a special provision of the vital 
force, without regard to the mechanical pressure upon the 
parte. "We confess that our convictions are decidedly in 
favor of this latter view. 

The remains of the ruptured membranes, after the es- 
cape of the ovum, are denominated the corpus luteum, 
literally signifying the yellow body. There are peculiari- 
ties about this, which has greatly puzzled investigators. 
At every menstrual period, as a general rule, an ovum is 
maturated and expelled from the ovary, and if it come ia 
contact with the male sperm-cells, hereafter to be described, 
and pregnancy follows, we have a corpus luteum entirely 
different, in many particulars, from that which we find in 
the unimpregnated female. In the latter case it is seldom 
larger than a small sized pea, and immediately begins to 
contract, and in six or eight weeks entirely disappears, 
leaving f<# a time, a slight cicatrix or scar, such as might 



40 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

be observed in the healing of the other tissues. In the 
former case, the corpus luteum is slightly puffed out upon 
the surface of the ovary, and attains a size covering one- 
fourth or even one-half of that organ. It does not begin 
to diminish in size till the fourth or fifth month, and it 
does not entirely disappear till three or four months after 
delivery; its whole duration, therefore, being twelve or 
thirteen months. In both cases, this body has, at first, a 
bright red color, then a yellowish color which continues 
more or less to the last, and in both cases the Graafian 
follicle and the scar are at last absorbed, leaving nothing 
but a little pit-like depression. By this frequent oblitera- 
tion of the follicles, which takes place during the menstrual 
period of the female, the ovary, in advanced life, presents 
a number of little furrows or pits as the seats of corpora 
lutea. 

The attempts of physiologists to explain the causes of 
all these phenomena, have given to the profession many 
theories, which we cannot introduce in this work. Coste 
had his theory ; Churchill has given us an explanation 
somewhat different ; and our own beloved Professor Meigs 
has succeeded in making a corpus luteum for his own 
special purpose. 

The doctrine expressed in the three latin words, omnia 
ex ovo, which literally translated reads, all things from an 
egg, but which is used to express the doctrine that all 
living things are derived from eggs, was first established by 
the illustrious Harvey, and the rapid advancement of medi- 
cal science since his time, instead of refuting, has%onfirme4 



FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 41 

the truth of this most wonderful and sublime conception. 
For we now know that all living things, whether they be- 
long to the vegetable or animal kingdom, have their com- 
mencement in the egg formation, and whether the egg be 
large or small, or a mere speck that can be seen only under 
the microscope, there resides within its structure, all the 
characteristics, and all the peculiarities of the full grown 
species, and individuals. This is certainly a mystery, infi- 
nitely above the comprehension of finite beings, and cannot 
fail to impress the thoughtful mind with the existence and 
presence of an immutable Infinite Cause. Harvey was by 
no means insensible to such impressions, when he gave 
utterance to the following language, translated form hi3 
works : 

" A more sublime and divine Artificer than man seems 
to make and preserve *nan ; and a nobler agent than a cock 
doth produce a chicken out of the egg. For we acknowledge 
our omnipotent God and most high Creator to be every- 
where present in the structure of all things living, and to 
point himself out -by his works, whose instruments the 
cock and the hen are in the generation of the chicken. 
For it is most apparent that in the generation of the 
chicken out of the egg, all things are set up and formed 
with a most singular providence, divine wisdom, admirable 
and incomprehensible artifice. Nor can these attributes 
appertain to any but to the omnipotent Maker of all 
things, under what name soever we cloud him , whether 
it be the mens divina, the divine mind with Aristotle ; 
or anima mundi, the soul of the universe with Plato ; 



42 THE SEXUAL ST8TEM. 

or with others the natura naturans, nature of nature 
himself; or Saturnus or Jupiter with the heathen, or 
rather as befits us, the Creator and Father of all things in 
heaven and earth, upon whom all animals and their births 
depend, and at whose beck and mandate all things are 
created and begotten." 



MALE GENITAL ORGANS. 43 



CHAPTER II. 

MAZE GJEXITAZ OBGAXS. 

The penis, its form, dimensions, structures, attachments, etc.— The 
urethra, its curving direction, varying size, elasticity, promi- 
nences, depressions, etc. — A thorough knowledge of its anatomy 
necessary to treat strictures of the urethra — How the prepuce is 
formed — Circumcision, its origin, uses, etc. — The glands — The 
scrotum, its form and structures — The testes and their appendages 
— Epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory ducts, 
etc. — Secreting structure of the testes consisting of minute tubes 
3780 feet long — The passage of the semen — The spermatozoa, or 
male sperm-cells, their minuteness, forms, brisk motions, etc. — 
The reproductive element of the male semen — Are they real ani- 
malcules ? Have they a sexual system ? — Their union with the 
ovum — Curious conjectures — Hereditary tendencies in the sperma- 
tozoa and ovum — Important suggestions. 

In the preceding chapter, we have endeavored to give 
the reader a clear description of the anatomy of the female 
genital organs, some of their uses, diseases, and malforma- 
tions, and also, to remove certain erroneous notions con- 
cerning their forms, structures and functions. The func- 
tions and diseases of the genital organs, however, will be 
more fully described, in the future chapters of this work. 
The present chapter will be devoted to a description of the 
male genital organs ; and, as many intelligent persons, not 



44 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

educated in medical science, necessarily entertain erroneous 
views concerning some portions of these organs, we shall 
find, as in the preceding chapter, many errors to correct. 

The Penis is the external pendant organ at the inferior 
and front part of the body. Penis is a Latin word without 
change of termination, and if we wish to use it in the plural 
number it must be written penes ; but it is so commonly 
used by English writers, as. the most proper name for the 
male pendant organ, that almost every, person is familiar 
with its use, and it may now be regarded as an English 
word. This organ is sometimes called the virile organ, the 
virile member, etc. , merely for a change of words ; and in 
some books it is called the yard. But. this latter name is 
both vulgar and inappropriate ; to carry the joke a little 
further we might, with equal propriety, call this member, 
the furlong, perch, or pole, or designate it by any other 
word used to measure space or distance. A man who has 
brains enough to write a book, ought not to commit such 
blunders as introducing the word yard to designate the 
member under consideration. 

From the attachment of this organ at the pubic bone to 
its extremity it is about six inches and a half long, and 
from the external soft parts covered with hair it is about 
five inches and a half long, and for the purposes of sexual 
congress, about four inches and a half long, corresponding 
with the length of the vagina. The reader will of course 
understand us to speak of the average size. Like other 
appendages of the body the size of this organ varies, in 
different individuals. There is a silly and vulgar notion 



MALE GENITAL ORGANS. 43 

among some people, that this organ is larger in small men 
than in large men. But when this is the case, it is an ex- 
ception to a general rule. A small man may have larger 
feet, hands, eyes, nose, and ears than a man much larg'er 
than himself; but the rule is, the larger the man, the larger 
are all the appendages of the body. % 

This organ is divided by anatomists into three portions ; 
the root, the body, and the extremity. The root is bifid 
or split into two parts, called the crura or legs, which are 
firmly attached to the rami of the pubis and ischia ; or 
what is definite enough for the general reader, they are 
attached to the front part of the pelvic bones. It also has 
other strong connections about the pubes, and it cannot be 
easily torn from its attachments. If now we remove the 
integument, and dissect out the parts beneath, which com- 
pose the principal bulk of the organ, we shall find that it 
consists chiefly of two structures, called the cavernous and 
spongy bodies. The cavernous bodies form the upper and 
lateral portion, making about three-fourths of the bulk of 
the organ. They lay side by side, like the two barrels of a 
double-barreled gun. The spongy body lies beneath, and 
resembles the ramrod of such a gun, being, however, a 
little larger in proportion. These parts are all firmly held 
together by the integument which covers them and the 
cellular structures beneath. The extremity of the penis is 
called the glans penis, sometimes its head ; and its general 
form is conical. It is simply an enlargement of the spongy 
body. At the apex there is a small vertical slit, the meatus 
urinarius, and beneath and extending a little backwards. 



46 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM, 

i 

there is a slight notch in which is attached a small fold of 
membrane derived from the foreskin, which is called the 
frenum or bridle. This is sometimes too short, bending 
the glans downward when the organ is erected, and pro- 
ducing considerable pain. In such a condition it should be 
clipped off by the surgeon. At the base of the glans, there 
is a prominent rim or edge called the corona glandis, the 
crown of the glans, behind which there is a constriction 
called the column or neck, which is exposed when the fore- 
skin is drawn back. 

The Urethra is a membranous canal, extending from 
the meatus urinarius through the spongy body of the penis, 
and thence into the bladder. This canal is divided into 
three portions. Commencing at the bladder it passes 
through the prostate gland, which is called the prostatic 
portion, and is about one inch in length. Next comes the 
membranous portion, as it is called, which is between the 
prostate gland and the spongy body of the penis, and is 
hardly an inch long. This is the smallest part of the 
urethra. The remaining portion is called the bulbous, and 
it extends from the bulb, or internal extremity of the 
spongy body, to the meatus urinarius. The urethra is 
much larger in some portions of its extent, than in others. 
Where it commences at the glans it is constricted ; it then 
enlarges for about an inch ; it is then smaller, but gradually 
enlarges as it approaches the bulb ; it is then small for 
nearly an inch, when it again enlarges as it reaches the 
bladder. This canal is also curved, and much more curved 
in some parts than in others. It ha* a number of ducts 



MALE GENITAL ORGANS. 37 

opening into it, as it approaches the bladder, and there 
are many little prominences and depressions in various por- 
tions of its extent. Hence it is important that every medi- 
cal man who performs any sort of operations for the cure 
of diseases of these parts, should have their minute 
anatomy thoroughly fixed in his mind. It is especially 
dangerous to attempt the treatment of strictures of the 
uretha without such knowledge. The danger in such 
cases, arises from the liability of producing lacerations and 
punctures, and making false passages, which might entail 
life-long misery upon the patient. In addition to a thorough 
knowledge of the anatomy of the urethra, great caution 
must be used as to the condition of the parts, and the 
kind of instruments best suited to each case. Many physi- 
cians, not possessing such knowledge, have the honesty to 
decline such difficult cases altogether, while others equally 
unscientific, perhaps, are so fool-hardy as to attempt their 
treatment, as though it were a very simple affair. But 
their works follow them, and in a majority of cases, their 
patients are the miserable victims of such presumptuous 
folly. Many cases of the kind have come under our care. 
Patients, therefore, labouring under this distressing affec- 
tion, cannot be too cautious into whose keeping they com- 
mit themselves. But more upon this subject in its proper 
place. 

The skin of the penis is very thin, and very loosely con- 
nected to the parts which it surrounds ; and what may ap- 
pear remarkable, it never contains any deposit of fatty 
tissue. However corpulent, therefore, a man may become 



48 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

there is no enlargement of this organ by the accumulation 
of fatty tissue. Like the nose, and the ears, etc. , it re- 
mains the same as before, and the thoughtful reader will 
perceive that this is a wise provision of nature. The front 
portion of this integument forms the prepuce. This is 
simply a doubling of the skin, the surface of the inner fold 
coming in contact with the glans, partaking of the char- 
acter of mucous membranes. When it is drawn forward 
it covers the glans, but when the organ is erected, and it 
is drawn backwards, which takes place in the intercourse 
of the sexes, the folding of the skin disappears, and its 
mucous surface, comes in contact with the mucous surface 
of the vagina of the female. 

Circumcision consists in the removal of a large portion 
of the prepuce ; and it is observed at the present day by 
the Jews, and to some extent, by the Mahometans, as a 
religious rite. But there can be little doubt that it had its 
origin in what was conceived to be a physical necessity. 
For circumcision would, no doubt, to some extent, prevent 
masturbation, and other sexual abuses ; for the glans being 
constantly uncovered, become harder, and are not so easily 
excited by any slight frictions ; also, it may to some ex- 
tent, be a slight protection against venereal diseases, as 
the parts cannot b§ so easily impressed with the venereal 
poison. Now when we consider that the ancients, long 
before Moses received the law upon Mount Sinai, were 
generally given over to the gratification of their sexual 
lusts, it is not difficult to conceive that this custom had its 
origin as a physical necessity. It is also reasonable to sup- 



MALE GENITAL ORGANS. 49 

pose that, in coition, the circumcised cannot so readily 
impress the female, nor be impressed so readily himself, 
as there is less sensitive surface coming in contact with the 
vagina. 

In this connection we may notice certain glands, which 
appear to be mere appendages of the penis. The prostate 
gland is a hard firm body, about the size of a large horse- 
chestnut, situate at the neck of the bladder, the urethra 
passing through it, as we said in describing that canal. 
Two- thirds of it lies behind the urethra toward the rectum. 
It is somewhat conical in form with its apex directed for- 
wards and downwards, and its base towards the bladder. 
Anatomists describe it as consisting of three lobes. It is a 
little convex upon its posterior side, and can be felt by the 
finger of the surgeon in the rectum, and is a guide in many 
examinations and operations, upon parts situated within 
the pelvis of the male. This gland has fifteen or twenty 
ducts opening into the prostatic portion of the urethra. 
It is sometimes inflamed, and enlarged, and makes pressure 
upon the urethra, obstructing the passage of the urine. 
In old men its gradual enlargement is sometimes very dis- 
tressing, producing the sensation of a bearing-down pain, 
and interfering with micturition. Such patients should 
have mild, but skillful treatment. ThefS are two little 
glands, about the size of peas, situated immediately be- 
neath the membranous portion of the urethra, each having 
one duct which extends forward about three-quarters of an 
inch, and opens into the bulbous portion of the urethra. In 
addition to these, we find numerous little glands, situate 
4 



50 THE SEXUAL STSTEM. 

in the mucous tissue, through the whole extent of the 
bulbous portion of the urethra, with their ducts directed 
forwards. 

The Scrotum is the pouch containing the testicles sus- 
pended within by the spermatic cord. It hangs from the 
root of the penis, the left side dropping a little lower than 
the right. A raphe or line divides the scrotum into two 
lateral halves. It is contiuued backwards through the 
perineum, and forwards, though not so well marked, along 
the under surface of the penis. The scrotum consists of 
two coats, the external being the integument, and the in- 
ternal closely adhering to it, being called the dartos. The 
dartos consists of contractile tissue. It is sometimes quite 
flaccid, at other times, it is corrugated, drawn, up, closely 
hugging the testicles. The application of cold will produce 
such corrugation, or puckering ; while a moderate degree 
of warmth tends to relax the parts. In cold weather when 
a person does not keep warm, such puckering is common, 
but in warm weather when a man cannot keep cool, relaxa- 
tion is found to exist. The dartos sends inwards a septum, 
or partition, as it were, dividing the sack into two distinct 
cavities, one for each testicle. 

The Testes. — The word testis is the singular of testes, 
and literally signifies witness, because the existence of these 
organs is the evidence of man's virility. In the foetus they 
are situated in the abdomen, immediately in front of the 
kidneys, but they begin to descend about the seventh or 
eighth month of gestation. They are two small, oblong 
glands, convex in front, somewhat rounded upon their 



MALE GENITAL ORGANS. 51 

sides, and slightly compressed behind, and with all their 
coverings, are about the size of a pullet's egg, but the 
glands themselves, when divested of all their coverings, 
are seen to be no larger than a pigeon's egg. Their situa- 
tion in the scrotum is somewhat oblique, their superior 
portion being directed a little forwards and outwards, and 
their inferior extremity a little backwards and inwards. 
Lying upon the posterior aspect, and extending from tha 
upper to the lower extremity, we find a small body flat- 
tened from before backwards, called the epididymis, from 
two Greek words signifying upon the testicle. The upper 
extremity of this body is called the globus major, the lower 
extremity the globus minor. In addition to the skin and 
dartos, the testicle is covered in by three tunics ; first, the 
tunica vaginalis ; second, the tunica albuginea;*and third, 
the tunica vasculosa. The tunica vaginalis is suspended 
from parts above the testicle, with which it is blended. It 
is a shut sack of serous membrane, and of course, consists 
of two layers. Fold your handkerchief, then place it 
around an orange, and the orange would have a double 
covering of the handkerchief; in like manner the testes 
get a double covering of serous membrane. The external 
layer of the sack is called the tunica vaginalis reflexa be- 
cause it is reflected, or derived, from the inner tunic, 
which is called the tunica vaginalis propria, because it is 
the proper covering of the testicle ; the former is connected 
to the dartos by means of very loose cellular tissue, and 
the latter is closely adherent to the tunica albuginea. The 
inner layer is also reflected around the epididymis con- 



52 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

necting it to the testicle. The two surfaces of the tunica 
vaginalis do not adhere together, but they are remarkably 
smooth, and glossy, like all serous sacks ; and they are kept 
moist by a proper secretion of serous fluid, thus allowing 
motion between their surfaces without friction. The 
tunica albuginea is a fibrous membrane of sufficient thick- 
ness and firmness to give form to the testicle. This tunic, 
at the posterior part of the testicle, is reflected into the 
gland, and forms a projecting ridge extending the length 
of the gland, which is called the mediastinum, sometimes 
called the corpus highmorianum. This contains the vessels 
and ducts of the testicle in their passage into the substance 
of the organ. The tunica vasculosa, is an extremely at- 
tenuated and delicate membrane, situated immediately 
within the tunica albuginea, inclosing the substance of the 
testicle. This membrane sends processes into the sub- 
stance of the testicle, which intervene between all the 
lobules of that organ. It is a nutrient membrane con- 
taining the blood-vessels which supply the organ with 
blood. 

The minute structure of the substance of the testicle is 
of great interest to anatomists and physiologists, and 
should be studied more thoroughly by medical men gener- 
ally, and for the benefit of medical students and physicians 
who may give this book a perusal, we will here introduce 
an elaborate and very accurate description of the substance 
of these glands, and some of their appendages, from Wil- 
son's Human Anatomy, one of the most popular text-books 
in English and American medical schools. We will then 



MALE GENITAL ORGANS. 53 

endeavor, as much as possible, to simplify the whole des- 
cription for the benefit of the general reader. 

1 ' The substance of the testes consists of numerous coni- 
cal flattened lobules, the bases being directed towards the 
surface of the organ, and the apices towards the medias- 
tinum. Krause found between four and five hundred of 
these lobules in a single testis. Each lobule is invested by 
a distinct sheath, formed of two layers, one being derived 
from the tunica vasculosa, the other from the tunica albu- 
ginea. The lobule is composed of one or several minute 
tubuli, tubuli seminiferi, exceedingly convoluted, anasto- 
mosing frequently with each other near their extremities, 
terminating in loops or in free caecal ends, and>of the same 
diameter throughout, ~ of an inch, according to Laugh. 
The tubuli seminiferi, are of a bright yellow color ; they 
become less convoluted in the apices of the lobules, and 
terminate by forming between twenty and thirty small 
Straight ducts of about twice the diameter of the tubuli 
seminiferi, the vasa recta. The vasa recta enter the sub- 
stance of the mediastinum, and terminate in from seven to 
thirteen ducts, smaller in diameter than the vasa recta. 
These ducts pursue a waving course from below upwards 
through the fibrous tissue of the mediastinum ; they com- 
municate freely with each other, and constitute the rete 
testes. At the upper extremity of the mediastinum, the. 
ducts of the rete testes terminate in from nine to thirty 
small ducts, the vasa efferentia, which form by their con- 
volutions a series of conical masses, the com vascuhsi; from 
tin bases of these cones tubes of larger size proceed, which 



M THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

constitute, by their complex convolutions, the body of the 
epididymis. The tubes become gradually larger toward 
the lower end of the epididymis, and terminate in a single 
large and convoluted duct, the vas deferens. 

" The epididymis is formed by the convolutions of the 
excretory seminal ducts, externally to the testes, and pre- 
viously to their termination in the vas deferens. The most 
numerous convolutions, and the aggregation of the coni 
vasculosi at the upper end of the organ, constitute the 
globus major ; the continuation of the convolutions down- 
wards, is the body ; and the smaller number of the convo- 
lutions of the single tube at the lower extremity, the globus 
minor. The tubuli are connected together by a very deli- 
cate areolar tissue, and are enclosed by the tunica vagi- 
nalis. 

"A small convoluted duct of variable length, is generally 
connected with the duct of the epididymis immediately 
before the commencement of the vas deferens. This is the 
vasculum aberrans of Haller ; it is attached to the epididy- 
mis by the areolar tissue in which that body is enveloped. 
Sometimes it becomes dilated towards its extremity, but 
more frequently retains the same diameter throughout. 

" The vas deferens may be traced upwards in the course 
of the seminal fluid, from the globus minor of the epi- 
didymis along the posterior part of the spermatic cord, 
and along the spermatic canal to the internal abdominal 
ring. From the ring it is reflected inwards to the side of 
the fundus of the bladder, and descends along its posterior 
surface, crossing the direction of the ureter, to the inner 



MALE GENITAL ORGANS. 55 

border of the vesicula seminalis. In this situation it be- 
comes somewhat larger in size and convoluted, and termi- 
nates at the base of the prostate gland, by uniting with thf 
duct of the Yesicula seminalis and constituting the ejacula- 
tory duct The ejaculatory duct, which is thus formed by 
the juncture of the duct of the vesicula seminalis with the 
vas deferens, passes forwards to the anterior extremity of 
the vera montanum, where it terminates by opening into 
the prostatic urethra. * * * * 

"On the under surface of the base of the bladder, and 
converging towards the base of the prostate gland, are tw6 
lobulated and somewhat periform bodies, about two inches 
in length, the vesiculae seminales. Their 'upper surface is 
in contact with the base of the bladder; the under side 
rests on the rectum, separated only by the recto-vesical 
fascia ; the larger extremities are directed backwards and 
outwards, and the smaller ends almost meet at the base of 
the prostate. They enclose between them a triangular 
space, which is bounded posteriorly by the recto-vesical 
fold of peritoneum, and which corresponds with the trigo- 
num vesicae on the interior of the bladder. Each vesicula 
is formed by the convolutions of a single tube, which gives 
off several irregular caecal branches. It is enclosed in a 
dense fibrous membrane, derived from the pelvic fascia, 
and is constricted beneath the isthmus of the prostate 
gland into a small excretory duct. The vas deferens, 
somewhat enlarged and convoluted, lies ( along the inner 
border of each vesicula, and is included in its fibrous in- 
vestment. It communicates with the duct of the vesicula 



56 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM, 

beneath the isthmus of the prostate and forms the ejacu- 
latory duct." 

There reader! unless you are a laborious student of 
medicine it is not expected that you can fully and accurately 
comprehend the above description. To have a complete 
knowledge of all such complicated structures of the human 
body, requires all the facilities and aids found in our best 
medical schools, such as dissections, preparations, casts, 
plates, etc., and in addition to all these, good teachers. 
It must be remembered that our medical science is not the 
growth of a day, but has come down to us by piece-meals ; 
like every other science, one investigator contributing his 
mite, another adding a little more, and so on, until we 
have a noble and sublime structure, complete in many of 
its parts, but in other parts, quite imperfect, but advancing 
as rapidly as can be expected in the nature of things. 

As regards these glandular organs, and their appendages, 
let the general reader bear in mind the following facts, 
which we have simplified as much as possible. The sub- 
stance of the testicle is composed of minute tubes, which 
are divided into four or five hundred parcels, called the 
lobules of the testis. These are much convoluted, are 
situated transversely in the testicle, and each lobule con- 
verges to form a single straight duct; these latter pass 
into other ducts, which are situated longitudinally in the 
testes, and pass through the upper extremity of the organ, 
again becoming greatly convoluted, and passing downwards 
along the posterior aspect, forming, with its coverings the 
epididymis, a flattened body which can be felt between the 



MALE GENITAL ORGANS. 57 

thumb and finger. At the lower extremity the epididymis 
curves outwards and upwards, and forms a single tube, 
called the vas deferens, which at the posterior part of the 
epididymis feels like a hard firm cord, about as large as a 
knitting-needle. After extending upwards and forwards 
into the abdomen, as one of the structures of the sper- 
matic cord, it dips down into the pelvis, and passes along 
the under surface of 'the bladder, where it comes in contact 
with the seminal vesicles. The seminal vesicles do not 
consist of many tubes, like the lobules of the testes, but 
each consists of one tube so convoluted as to be about two 
inches long ; but when carefully dissected and drawn out its 
full length, is about five inches long. Now the ducts of the 
seminal vesicles communicate with the ducts of the vas 
deferens in front, and the union of these form the two ex- 
cretory ducts, opening into the urethra near the ducts of ■ 
the prostate gland. It will, therefore, be observed that 
the convoluted tubes constituting the seminal vesicles are 
entirely distinct from the tubular structure of the testicles. 
While the epididymis, and the vas deferens, are mere pro- 
longations of the structure of the testicle ; the seminal vesi- 
cles, though tubular, are entirely independent of their 
structure. Now the seminal vesicles maybe regarded as 
reservoirs for the semen, till it is absorbed or expelled 
from the body. Where the ducts of the vasa deferentia 
communicate with the ducts of the seminal vesicles, there 
is an arrangement, which causes the semen, when it reaches 
that point, to pass backwards into the seminal vesicles, 
there to remain till absorbed or expelled from the body. 



53 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

In the latter process, the action of the muscular tissue 
about the seminal vesicles, and their ducts, places the 
passage in such a position, and exerts so much force upon 
the semen, that it is rapidly expelled through the ejacula- 
tory ducts into the urethra, and through the urethra out 
of the body. The reader should bear in mind, that the 
semen is constantly being secreted by the testes, and con- 
stantly being conveyed into the seminal vesicles, and that 
it is expelled from the body, in a state of health, only 
under the influence of sexual excitement. 

We have said that the substance of the testicles consists 
of minute tubes. In the extract from Wilson these are 
called tubuli seminiferi, and according to the best esti- 
mates, there are about 840 of these in each testicle, and 
each tube is about two feet and three inches long. Now if 
, this tubing could be dissected out, unravelled, and placed 
end to end, we should find 1890 feet in one of the testicles, 
and in both of them 3780 feet, or nearly three-quarters of 
a mile. This will give the reader an idea of the minute- 
ness of the secreting structure of these organs. There is 
a world under, as well as over the microscope. \ 

But we now come to consider the function of the testi- 
cles, or their elaboration of a material, which is indispens- 
able in the reproduction and perpetuation of the species, a 
subject of the deepest and liveliest interest to all intelligent 
readers. When upon the female genital organs, we showed 
that the function of the ovaries consisted in furnishing the 
germ-cells or ova, which was the female element in the re- 
production of the species. In like manner the function of 



MALE GENITAL ORGANS. 59 

the male testicles consist in furnishing the sperm-cell^, 
which is the male element of reproduction, the union and 
growth of these two elements producing a new being. 

The semen of the male appears to the naked eye like a 
muco-senii-liquid, or jelly-like substance, without life or 
the power of motion ; but if we take a small quantity of it 
from a healthy person, who has attained to puberty, and 
place it under a microscope of sufficient magnifying power, 
we shall discover that it is literally alive with minute fiii- 
mentous bodies. These bodies, therefore, have an inde- 
pendent life and power of motion. They are shaped very 
much like the brain and spinal cord, when dissected from 
their bony cavities, and exposed to view ; and this resem- 
blance opens up a subject for the speculation of the curious 
in physiological science ; but as no facts can be demon- 
strated from such speculative theories, we will not here 
indulge in them, at the exclusion of more important mat- 
ter. We will, however, remark that some investigators 
have drawn the inference from such resemblance, that 
these little bodies consist entirely of nervous tissue, that the 
primordial element of every living creature consists of 
nervous tissue, and that all the other tissues and elements 
of the living body depend upon the nervous system for 
their existence and perpetuation. 

But these little bodies are described by plrysiologists, as 
resembling in their general form, the tadpole ; and, if we 
imagine the tail of this infant animal to be much longer 
and smaller than it really is, in proportion to its body, the 
resemblance is accurate enough. But how exceedingly 



60 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

minute ! According to the best investigators their bodies 
are about —of an inch long, and their tails about ~ of an 
inch long. When upon the female ovaries we pointed out 
the fact that, the ovum furnished by these glands is no 
larger than a pin's point, or about ^ of an inch in diam- 
eter ; but the whole length of one of these bodies is much 
less than the diameter of an ovum. From these state- 
ments will the reader endeavor to form an idea of the ex- 
ceeding minuteness of the male sperm-cells ? 

When these minute bodies were first discovered, and for 
a long time afterwards, they were regarded as animalcules, 
that is, little animals having a stomach and other organs 
belonging to all animals. Under this notion, they were 
called spermatozoa, from two Greek words, signifying 
sperm-animals, and this name is generally in use at the 
present time. Spermatozoa is the plural, and spermato- 
zoon the singular number. * 

As the female ova have their origin, and development 
in cells, so the spermatozoa originate and ripen in cells, 
which are formed within the tubuli seminiferi of the testi- 
cles. When fully ripe the cells burst and the spermatozoa 
escape, and are mixed with other secretions on their pas- 
sage to the seminal vesicles and also with the secretions 
of the seminal vesicles themselves, and when ejected from 
the body, they are mixed with other secretions in the 
urethra. But a small portion of the semen, therefore, 
consists of these spermatozoa, still tens of thousands of 
them may be thrown from the body at each sexual congress. 
What waste of material! showing the wisdom of the 



MALE GENITAL ORGANS. 61 

Creator in making abundant provision for the certain per- 
petuation of the species. The same thing is observed in 
all vegetable and animal productions. But few acorns are 
trodden into the soil and produce new oaks, and but few 
of the spawn of fishes are developed into new fishes, other- 
wise the ocean could not contain them. 

The motions of these spermatozoa are affected by the 
density of the secretions or fluids with which they may be 
mixed. If very dense, their motions will be impeded, but 
if too thin, they may be dissolved and destroyed. When the 
female organs are in a healthy condition, and the sperma- 
tozoa find their way into the womb, or fallopian tubes, 
though fecundation does not take place, they retain their 
power of motion for more than twenty-four hours, show- 
ing that the healthy secretions of the female organs are 
favorable to the prolongation of their vitality. But if the 
secretions are acrid, or unhealthy, they may quickly destroy 
them. Cold water, alcohol, mineral acids, metallic salts, 
and some other chemical agents, will produce the same ef- 
fect. Hence the doctrine of the prevention of pregnancy, 
though a* humbug, deception, and immorality, in the 
hands of advertising quacks, is still a matter of science 
wisely kept from the knowledge of the masses. 

When the spermatozoa were first discovered, investigators 
were wrapped in amazement, and with strained eyes, and 
microscopes much inferior to those we now possess, they 
saw many wonderful things, some of them, doubtless, ex- 
isting merely in the imagination. One observer thought 
they were very sportive, and declared he saw them jump- 



62 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

ing over each other, and playing like little kittens; an- 
other thought he saw quarrels among them, which grew 
into fierce and deadly attacks upon each other ; and still 
another enthusiast declared that he saw a rebellion among 
them, that they were drawn up in line of battle, and 
pitched into each other without mercy, but he says nothing 
about the impliments of warfare; and still another de- 
luded fellow declared, in the most enthusiastic and positive 
terms, that they were of both sexes, that he saw such 
caresses among them, as are produced by the sexual pas- 
sion alone ; and that they even gave themselves up to sexual 
intercourse, under his very eye, without the appearance of 
shame upon their countenances. 

But badinage aside, it has been supposed that the 
spermatozoa consist of both sexes, and that the sex of the- 
future being depends upon the sex of the spermatozoa, 
which unite with the female ovum. This, however, is a 
mere theory, lacking confirmation ; but, at least, as good as 
most others that attempt to account for the determining 
cause of the sex. Indeed if we admit this theory to be 
correct, and we wish to inquire into the original cause of 
the sex, we shall be obliged to go back one step further, 
and inquire what causes the sex of the spermatozoa ; and 
in such an inquiry we are entirely in the dark, for there is 
a limit beyond which we cannot go in our investigations ; 
showing that we are finite, and cannot explore that which 
is infinite, but must end our inquiries by resolving them, 
at last, into nature's omnipotent and incomprehensible 
forces- 



MALE GENITAL ORGANS. 63 

The theory that the spermatozoa are real animalcules, 
possessing a stomach and other organs constituting an 
animal, is not maintained by most physiologists at the 
present day. Carpenter, one of our greatest lights in 
physiological science, thinks they cannot justly be re- 
garded as proper animalcules. Their power of motion 
he considers analogous to the reproductive particles of 
plants, which, in many cases, exhibit a spontaneous mo- 
tion of extraordinary activity, after they have been set free 
from the parent structure. In this respect, they have 
also been compared to those minute hair-like processes 
found in the neck of the womb, air-passages, etc. , called 
the cilia, which are so small that they cannot be seen with- 
out the aid of the microscope. They are constantly in 
motion, and when separated from their attachments, still 
retain the power of motion for a time. But such reasons 
are far from demonstration ; and for ought we can prove to 
the contrary, these minute particles may be real animal- 
cules. We may have our theories upon this subject, but 
at present, we must rest content with them ; we cannot 
have demonstration. 

But without going too far into mere speculation, enough 
is positively known about these spermatozoa to excite the 
wonder and admiration of every intelligent, reflecting mind. 
We know that their forms are precisely as we have de- 
scribed them, and that they are endowed with brisk mo- 
tions, when alive and vigorous, for we distinctly see them 
under the microscope; we know that their bodies are 
about ™ of an inch long, and that their slender tails are 



64 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

about ± of an inch long, for we can make these calcula- 
tions accurate enough, by knowing the magnifying power 
of the microscope under which we see them ; we know, 
that when they are thrown into the vagina, their motions 
are vigorously directed towards the womb and the fallo- 
pian tubes, and that the most vigorous reach their destina- 
tion, unless some obstruction intervenes to prevent their 
passage ; and we also know that they are the reproductive 
element of the male semen, and that the union of one or 
more of them with the ovum constitutes fecundation, and 
is the commencement of a new being, needing the womb 
for a home, and nutrition from the mother's body, till it is 
capable of an independent existence. Othir matters are 
clearly demonstrated, concerning the spermatozoa of differ* 
cut animals, which we will not here dwell upon. 

In the preceding chapter, we stated that all the pecu- 
liarities and hereditary tendencies of the mother were 
wrapped up in the ovum, and impressed upon her offspring. 
The same remark is appropriate to the spermatozoa of the 
male parent. In some subtle and mysterious manner, the 
peculiarities and hereditary diseases of the father, are in- 
corporated in the minute sperm-cells, and are impressed, 
more or less, upon the future progeny. The hereditary 
diseases of one of the parents, it is true, are not always fully 
'developed in the offspring, because the physical condition 
of the other, sometimes being the opposite, counteracts, 
in a measure, the hereditary tendency; but when the 
physical condition of both parents is the same, any heredi- 
tary tendencies become much stronger, and are more likely 



MALE GENITAL ORGANS. 65 

to descend to future generations. The same reasoning 
applies to the peculiarities and diseases of the mind, and 
there is not a physician living, who has earned a just 
reputation of being skillful, who cannot trace the diseases 
and weaknesses, both of the body and the mind, from the 
parents to their offspring. 
5 



CO THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 



CHAPTER III, 

TTTBEIITY AND GEXERATIOX. 

Sexual development — Menstruation in girls, and seminal fluid in 
boys — The period of puberty — Great variations — Premature and 
delayed menstruation — How often do the menses occur — The 
lunar superstition — Whole period of menstrual life — Interesting 
cases — Nature of the fluid, its odor, its odor in the breath, etc.— 
Is it blood or a secretion ? — Why it does not coagulate like blood 
— Its source and uses — How is it connected with child-bearing ? 
— Generation a condition of puberty — The sexual organs, amours, 
and generation of plants, and the lower animals — Interesting 
cases — Generation in the genus homo — Amusing theories of the 
ancients — The true theory established by modern science — When 
and how the ovum and spermatozoa come in contact — The me- 
chanical, chemical, and vital forces of the vagina, womb, fallo- 
pian tubes, and ovaries — The ultimate vital principle. 

Much has been said and written about the critical period 
or change of life, as it is usually called, when woman 
ceases to menstruate and bear children, and begins to de- 
scend towards the weakness of old age. Now this, it is 
true, is a period fraught with more or less danger, the 
patient being liable to various affections, which before 
were entirely absent, or had lain dormant in the system ; 
and skillful treatment is often necessary to insure the 
health of the patient in after life. But the great change 



PUBERTY AND GENERATION. 67 

of life, the period when the sexual passions and capabili- 
ties are unfolded, and the sexes are drawn towards each 
other by the impulse of love, is the most critical and 
dangerous that can occur in the life-time of a human being. 

This period is technically called Puberty. In girls it is 
characterized by a sanguineous discharge from the vagina, 
known by various names presently to be noticed ; in boys, 
the secretion of the seminal fluid commences, which, at 
first, is thin and watery, but becomes more consistent and 
fructifying as the youth attains adult life. 

In all latitudes and in all races puberty appears earlier 
in girls than in boys, and Buffon, a French author, at- 
tempted to explain the cause of this difference by the 
quaint remark, ' ; that man being naturally stronger and 
more robust than woman, nature ought to employ more 
time in his development." This, however, is no explana- 
tion at all, and the question admits of none. We might 
as well try to explain why trees are not animals, and birds 
are not fishes. In all such inquiries we must go back to 
the great first cause, and can only say that such is the de- 
cree of Heaven. 

Immediately before puberty we often observe more or 
less languor, debility, and sickness, as though nature was 
bestowing all her efforts on this great functional revolution, 
and permitting a temporary diminution of the force and 
vitality of other organs. If the youth is at school, he will 
be inclined to remain away ; he will be averse to any se- 
vere exercise of body or mind ; his thoughts will bo un- 
settled and wandering, and his lessons the greatest 



68 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

drudgery to him. At such times the youth should be al- 
lowed some relaxation from bodily and mental toil. Teach- 
ers and parents should, therefore, be fully alive to this 
subject, that they may properly guide those committed to 
their care. 

But when this revolution is fully accomplished, a health- 
ful reaction takes place, and all the other powers of the 
system are nourished and invigorated ; and, if diseases 
previously existed, such as scrofula, chlorosis, convulsions, 
etc. , they will often be held in check, or entirely disappear. 
And now comes a settling and strengthening of the whole 
system, and there is a rapid increase of the whole body ; 
the bones and muscles become harder and firmer, the joints 
are more enduring and reliable ; the chest and respiratoiy 
organs more capacious ; the genital organs increase with 
the rest of the body, and in males particularly, the voice 
becomes hoarser and fuller, being changed from the shrill- 
ness of childhood to the fullness and depths of adole- 
scence. 

In the female, there is a sudden and rapid development 
of the breasts, hips, pubes, thighs, and calves of the legs ; 
her eyes become more brilliant and expressive, a new 
loveliness appears on her countenance, and there is a new 
elegance of her form and figure. But unlike the other 
sex, there is not a total change in her original constitution. 
In other words, the change from childhood to adult life is 
not so complete in some respects as in the male sex. The 
texture of her organs never lose all their original delicacy 
and softness ; they never assume the strength and firmness 



PUBERTY AND GENERATION. 69 

of those of man, neither does she so completely part with 
the mental characteristics of her childhood, for she is al- 
ways delicate and tender, instinctively leaning upon him 
who is appointed to be her protector and her support. 
And he who would cheerfully and properly discharge the 
domestic obligations resting upon him, as a husband, 
should never lose sight of this difference between the 
sexes. 

Puberty in the female, as we have already intimated, ia 
characterized by the menstrual discharge, which is of suf- 
ficient interest to claim our special attention. 

The technical names for the menstrual discharge are the 
catamenia, and the menses; but it is more commonly 
spoken of as the monthlies, the courses, and the monthly 
turns, and women very often speak of being unwell, 
not meaning that they are sick, but that their menses 
are upon them. They will also speak of having a show, 
meaning that their menses have appeared ; or, that they 
have not seen anything, meaning that no discharge has ap- 
peared. The term menstruation relates to the function or 
action, which furnishes the menstrual fluid, or the act of 
menstruating ; but the word menses relates to the fluiS itself. 
Physicians do not ask ladies if they have had their men- 
struation regularly, but if they have had their menses, or 
if they have menstruated regularly, etc. 

In a state of health and in a temperate climate this 
function usually makes its appearance for the first time 
somewhere between the thirteenth and sixteenth years of 
age, a larger number, according to the best observers, oc- 



70 



THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 



curring in the fifteenth year than at any other time. Mr. 
Robertson, an English observer of no mean acquirements, 
has carefully noted the time of the first menstrual flux in 
four hundred and fifty-two women in his own country, and 
arranged them into a table as follows : 



In the 11th year 10 women 



12th 
13th 
14th 
15th 
16th 
17th 
18th 
19th 
20th 



.19 
.53 

.85 
.97 



..57 
..26 
..23 
.. 4 



Let it be observed, in this connection, that there are 
many circumstances, which hasten or retard the menstrual 
flux. Indolent habits, obscene pictures, lewed and vicious 
examples, stimulating diet and beverages, and a warm cli- 
mate, are some of the circumstances which prematurely 
develop this function, and vice versa. When this function 
appears at an early age, it will, as a general rule, cease at 
an early age, and the woman will lose her capability of 
bearing children, and also feel the approach of old age, at 
an earlier period than another, whose menstrual show does 
not make its appearance so early. 

This may he set down as an inexorable law, and it should 



PUBERTY AND GENERATION. 71 

impress parents with the importance of rearing their off- 
spring in paths of virtue and honest industry. This 
thought suggests another, of which every mother should 
be fully apprised, viz. , when the menses first appear, they 
are not always fully established ; two or three months or 
even a whole year may elapse before they appear the 
second time ; and it may be a number of months or even 
two or three years before they become permanently and 
regularly established. In such cases, medication may, or 
may not, be required. If the girl's health, in any mea- 
sure, flags, or if any of the usual symptoms of suppres- 
sion of the menses make their appearance, such as head- 
ache, and fever, skillful medication is of the utmost im- 
portance ; for by it the patient may be saved from a 
broken-down constitution, and various uterine complaints, 
that would render her life ever after one of misery and regret* 
We have said that menstruation usually occurs between 
the thirteenth and sixteenth years of age ; but it is well to 
remember that it sometimes occurs much earlier, and also 
much later than this, which the reader will observe by a 
glance at the foregoing table. And it may occur before 
the eleventh and after ihe twentieth year. Such extreme 
cases, have come under the author's observation a number 
of times. In all such cases, however, we may expect to 
find some faulty development of the organs of generation, 
or some abnormal or diseased condition of the uterine 
system, or some deficiency or disturbance of the vital forces 
of the system. Such cases, therefore, require a very care- 
ful scrutiny, and when they come under the care of ttie 



72 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

physician, lie should not shrink from their investigation, 
but should bring to his aid the best lights of the profession, 
and endeavor to ascertain the real trouble, and, if possible, 
remove it. Work must be the watchword of the physician, 
who would become skillful in the practice of his profession. 

But how often does this function occur? As a general 
statement it is said to occur once a month, meaning every 
calendar month, or twelve times a year ; hence we have the 
term monthlies as applied to this function. But this state- 
ment is far from being accurate. As a general rule they 
occur once every twenty-eight days, which is nearly a lunar 
month, making about thirteen times a year. From this 
coincidence, some of the ancients, especially the Grecian 
philosophers, supposed that the moon had some mys- 
terious and wonderful influence over this function. But 
this must be regarded as the variest superstition, for 
we find women menstruating all over the world, at every 
stage of the moon, and we have yet to learn, that there are 
any more menstruating women on the increase, or the full 
moon, than are to be found on the decline of that orb, or 
when she is entirely invisible. 

In some women this function appears with great regu- 
larity. They can predict the very day, and sometimes the 
very hour, when it will occur. But in others, and a large 
majority, perhaps, such regularity is not observed. It may 
appear, one, two, or even three days earlier than usual ; 
or be retarded the same length of time, without injury to 
the system. The flow continues from three to five days, as 
a general rule, giving the woman an interval from twenty 



PUBERTY AND GENERATION. 73 

three to twenty-five days. The. quantity of fluid lost, at 
each menstrual period, in women of health, may be stated 
as being from three to five ounces. But in all such general 
calculations, we find many exceptions. Some women will 
never have their courses more than one or two days at a 
time, and will lose hardly as many ounces of blood ; while 
others will go seven or eight days, and lose ten or twelve 
ounces-. We have also known women to have their monthly 
<jourses twice every month, and lose the usual amount of 
blood at every such period. 

The change of life, as it is usually called, when woman 
ceases to menstruate, and loses her capability of bearing 
children, takes place about the forty-fifth year of her life. 
She can then lay aside many troubles and perplexities in- 
cident to her child-bearing life, cease from her labors, and 
seek enjoyment from other sources and in other pursuits. 
The whole menstruating period is, therefore, about thirty 
years. But this function sometimes ceases before the 
forty-fifth year, and it is often protracted beyond that age. 
As an example of the latter, we may mention that Dr. 
Wallace, the successor of Professor Meigs, in the Jeffer- 
son Medical College of Philadelphia, was an only child, 
whose mother brought him into this world at the age of 
fifty-three ; and there are some cases on record, of females 
menstruating the second time, and bearing children at 
seventy or eighty years of age. "lam cognizant, " says 
one author, "of the case of a lady of Philadelphia, who 
commenced menstruating at nearly eighty years of age, and 
conceived. ' ' 



74 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

Formerly, there was no little discussion, and difference 
of opinion, as to the nature of the menstrual discharge ; 
but, at the present day, physiologists are usually agreed 
upon this subject. As one of its characteristics, we may 
refer to its heavy and sickening odor, when it undergoes 
decomposition. Some females, when menstruating, have 
a very offensive odor in their breath, which entirely disap- 
pears when the flux ceases. The cause of this, seems to 
be, that some portion of the decomposed menstrual fluid is 
absorbed into the system, and going into the circulation is 
exhaled from the lungs with the other noxious gases. It 
is the characteristic odor of women laboring under puer- 
pural fever, called, in medical works, gravis odor puerperii. 
It is also the characteristic odor of the lochial discharges 
of lying-in women. Hence, it was once supposed— very 
erroneously of course — that this fluid contained some poi- 
sonous and dangerous principles, and Pliny informs us 
" that the presence of a menstrual woman turns wine sour, 
causes trees to shed their fruit, parches up their young 
shoots, and makes them forever barren, dims the splendor 
of mirrors, and the polish of ivory, turns the edge of 
sharpened iron, converts brass into rust, and is the cause 
of canine rabies. " 

But what is the menstrual fluid? Is it a secretion, or is 
it blood? What is a secretion? It is the separation, or 
elaboration from the blood, of ingredients, which constitute 
another fluid, the specific character of which depends upon 
the structure and action of the follicles or cells engaged in 
the work. Every secretion has its peculiar properties, and 



PUBERTT AND GENERATION. iO 

is quite different from the blood, or any other fluid. TI13 
bile, the urine, the semen, the saliva, the mucus, etc. , are 
examples, all of which differ from each other, and from the 
blood out of which they are, as it were, manufactured. 
Now the only essential difference between the blood and 
the menstrual fluid is in this, that the latter contains much 
less fibrin than the former. In the blood, we find about 
five parts in one hundred, while in the menstrual fluid we 
find only five parts in one thousand, or only one-tenth as 
much ; and as the fibrin of the blood forms the coagulum 
or clot, the menstrual fluid, as observation shows, will not 
coagulate. But how can we account for the absence of 
this large proportion of fibrin ? as follows : We know that 
an acid will dissolve fibrin ; we also know that the natural 
secretions of the vagina have an acid reaction. When, 
therefore, the menstrual fluid, in its dribbling passage 
through the vagina, becomes mixed with the vaginal secre- 
tions, a large portion of the fibrin is dissolved away and 
destroyed, and there is not a suflicient amount remaining 
to form a coagulum. The correctness of this explanation 
is confirmed by the fact, that, if we take this fluid directly 
from the womb, not allowing it to come in contact with the 
vagina, it is found to contain the usual amount of fibrin, and 
to coagulate like blood taken from any other part of the body. 
Again, if we take a little of the menstrual fluid and put 
it under a microscope, we shall have another evidence that 
it is blood and not a secretion ; for we shall discover in it 
the red corpuscles of the blood, which we know cannot 
exude through secreting follicles. 



76 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

The menstrual discharge takes place from the internal 
surface of the womb. It is supposed by some physiologists, 
that the pressure of the blood, at the menstrual nisus, is 
sufficient to rupture the terminal extremities of the capil- 
laries, and allow the fluid to trickle away through their 
minute pores ; but, to use the language of Professor Meigs, 
u It is most probable, that the discharge takes place from 
capillaries with open mouths, such arrangement being 
known to exist in the capillaries of the uterus. ' ' 

It was formerly supposed that the menstrual flux came 
from the vagina, as well as the womb, but this*doctrine is 
now exploded. If we examine the womb of a female who 
dies while menstruating, we shall find the internal surface 
greatly congested; and if we make slight pressure with the 
hand, the blood will be seen to ooze out from the little 
pores in the lining membrane ; but no congestion, nor dis- 
charge of blood is found below the neck of the womb. We 
have introduced a speculum into the vagina when the 
patient was menstruating, through which we have seen the 
blood trickling from the mouth of the womb, but no con- 
gestion of the vagina, nor the slightest discharge of blood 
from that organ, could be discovered. Such observations 
settle the question, that the menstrual discharge comes 
from the internal surface of the womb, and not from the 
vagina. 

But what purpose in the sexual economy does menstrua- 
tion fulfill ? How is it connected with child-bearing ? We 
know that such connection exists, still a woman may con- 
ceive before menstruating. Young women sometimes 



PUBERTY AND GENERATION. 77 

marry and find themselves in a family way before this 
function makes its appearance ; and nursing women often 
become pregnant before their menses return. But ovula- 
tion, that is, the action of the ovaries in furnishing the ova 
or female germ-cells, is an indispensable condition of con- ' 
ception; for there must be an ovum to unite with the 
spermatozoa to produce a new being. If, therefore, the 
ovum is furnished, the female may conceive, though she 
may not, from some cause unknown, first menstruate. 
But menstruation, as a general rule, is necessary to insure 
the healthy action of the ovaries in the production of the 
ova, and in this way, if in no other, it is connected with 
child-bearing. 

It is well established, at the present day, that the escape 
of the menstrual fluid is entirely subservient to the action 
of the ovaries, and controlled and regulated by them. 
Though all the other organs of generation remain in their 
entirety, if the ovaries are so diseased, or deficient that 
their function is destroyed ; or if they have been removed 
by the knife of the surgeon, menstruation ceases, showing 
its connection with those organs. Menstruation relieves 
the congestion of the ovaries. Before the ova ripen, and 
escape into the fallopian tubes, the ovaries become greatly 
congested, which is proved by the examination of those 
organs in a female who dies at that time ; but as the dis- 
charge continues the congestion entirely subsides. Some- 
times the discharge is a little delayed, at every menstrual 
period, and the congestion of the ovaries not being relieved 
so early as nature intended, a great deal of pain is pro- 



78 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

duced, sometimes the most excruciating pain, relieved only 
when the discharge is well established, and continued the 
necessary length of time. Now such facts prove that the men- 
strual discharge depends upon, and subserves the action of 
' the ovaries, and that without such discharge to relieve their 
congestion, their structures and functions must be destroyed. 

Another condition of puberty is the generation of the 
species, which may well claim a portion of the reader's 
attention. In man, where we have reason superadded to 
sexual instinct, it is well to delay the union of the sexes 
beyond this period, that the sexual organs, and the whole 
body may become more firmly and fully developed, to insure 
a healthier and hardier race. But the capability, however 
feeble, commences at puberty. In the female, as before 
stated, it consists in ovulation, characterized by the men- 
strual discharge; in the male, by the evolution of the 
spermatozoa, not characterized by any such external sign. 

It would, no doubt, be entertaining to many of our 
readers leisurely to peruse a description of the various kinds 
of sexual organs, and modes of generation, found in plants 
and the lower animals ; but such a description would be 
entirely foreign to our present purpose, and, in itself, 
would require a volume of no mean dimensions. We must, 
therefore, be content with a brief outline of these phe- 
nomena, which will, doubtless, open up to many of our 
readers some things in nature that might otherwise pass 
unobserved, and also illustrate, to some extent, the gene- 
ration of the species in the higher animals at the head of 
which stands man. 



PUBERTY AND GENERATION. »9 

AH vegetable productions are known to have male and 
female organs of generation. With a very few exceptions, 
each plant has both sets of organs, which enable it to 
generate its species where it is planted ; whilst animals have 
a muscular system to move about, and to search out each 
other. The flower is the part of the plant which contains 
the sexual organs — and let it be remembered that every 
plant flowers or blossoms. Usually, each flower contains 
both the male and female organs, which give them the 
name of bisexual ptants or flowers ; but sometimes we find 
the male organs in one flower, and the female in another, 
upon the same branch, which may be called the unisexual. 

The flower, which is the most beautiful part of the plant, 
on account of its form and colors, is usually composed of 
four principal parts, of which two, the stamen and pistil 
are essential to generation. These organs are covered and 
protected by the calyx and corolla. Commencing without, 
we first have the calyx, which varies in the number of 
pieces composing it ; next the corolla, which varies in form 
and color, and consists of one or many pieces ; the third 
part is the stamen, which is the male sexual organ. It 
consists of the filet or thread-like body, and the anther at 
the summit of the filet. The filet, not being indispensable 
to fecundation, does not exist in all plants ; but the anther 
always exists, and without it no generation of the plant 
can take place. It consists of a fine membranous sack 
containing a very fine powder called the pollen ; this pow- 
der gives out a peculiar odor when the plant flowers, 
which is the male sperm or seed. The flowers of some 



80 THE SEXUAL SYSTEty. 

plants have but one stamen, others two, and so on, up to 
a large number, situated at the base of the corolla and 
surrounding its internal surface. 

The female sexual organ of plants is the pistil, situated 
in the centre of the flpwer, and composed of three parts, 
the ovary, the style, and the stigma. The ovary is the in- 
ferior part of the pistil, and contains very small grains, 
ovules or eggs, which are the female germ-cells. The 
stigma, which may bo> regarded as the external genital 
fissure, is at the summit of the pistil, and the style, which 
does not exist in all plants, is a thread-like canal, situated 
between the ovary and the stigma. There are usually 
more stamens than pistils, making plants polyandrous, 
that is, many males for one female. 

The union of plants takes place only at the period of 
> 
floration, or when the flowers are developed. At this 

period, both the male and female organs acquire a degree 
of motion, which is visible to the naked eye. They are 
very sensitive to the touch and exhale an odor, which, in 
some plants, is most agreeable to the olfactories. And 
now the sexual organs approach each other; the male 
organ becomes erected, and it directs its summit or anther 
towards the stigma, or external fissure of the female or- 
gan ; the sacks of the anther are ruptured, and the pollen, 
each grain of >vhich contains a subtle fluid, the fecundating 
principle, is shed upon the stigma, and imbibed by the 
ovary — the ovary in plants being analogous to the womb 
in animals. The corolla is said to contract in some flowers 
to bring the stamens nearer the pistils, and in aquatic 



PUBERTY AND GENERATION. 81 

plants the flowers are seen to elevate themselves above the 
surface of the water, while copulation is effected, and then 
to return to their former element to develope and bring 
fqrth their fruit. 

Says Ryan, "The stigmas of flowers like the sexual or- 
gans of most animals, in the season of amours, are be- 
dewed with more or less humidity, acquire more heat, 
and even become odorous. The stigma in the sensitive 
plant, tulip, etc., becomes congested and contractile, not 
only after the application of the fecundating powder, but 
when submitted to any kind of stimulation. The arum 
of Italy developed so much heat, as to be appreciable by 
the thermometer. We see the female organ in the crown 
imperial, the laurel of St. Anthony, etc. , depress itself to- 
wards the male organ v which it surpasses in length. We 
even observe tremblings in the Parnassus de Marais. when 
it receives the exciting impression of the fecundating pol- 
len. * * * So soon as fecundation is effected, both the 
male and female sexual organs of flowers, except the ovary, 
decay and die, as nature has accomplished her object, and 
left the elements of future generations for development. 
The ovary swells, and becomes filled with a fluid, which 
soon acquires consistence, and finally becomes the fruit. 
This process is termed fructification. The sexual organs 
can no longer contribute to the perpetual renovation of the 
species. ' ' 

Says Meret, ' c Reproduction is the end of all the cares 
of nature, for which she has prepared the most perfect 
apparatus. The act being finished, all enter into repose, 
6 



S2 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

all fade,, all vanish. Retard fecundation, impede it by any 
means, and the flower preserves the freshness of its calyx 
for a long time. ' ' 

The fruit consists of two principal parts, the pericarpe, 
and the seed or seeds. The pericarpe is that part of the 
fruit which contains the seed, and it has one cavity or 
many according to the number of seeds which it contains. 
We also have the epicarp, or external covering of the 
fruit, the sarcocarp or pulpy part of the fruit, and the en- 
docarp or the membrane, which lines the internal cavity 
of the fruit. By the examination of an apple, this de- 
scription will be easily understood* In some kinds of fruit 
there are other parts, known by very hard names, with 
which we do not think proper to burden the minds of bur 
readers. 

Now in some of the very lowest animals, as Well as in 
plants, we find the organs of both sexes united in the 
same individual, and the ova is fertilized by the spermatic 
fluid of the same individual. This takes place in many 
of the zoophytes, and in some of the lowest tribes of mol- 
lusca. In others we find both sets of organs in the same 
individual without the power of self-impregnation; two 
individuals cohabit, and each is impregnated and impreg- 
nates the other, as may be observed with snails and many 
of the higher mollusca. But in most of the lower, and in 
all of the higher orders of animals, the sexual organs are 
entirely distinct, one individual possessing the male, and 
another the female organs of generatioti, the union of the 
two being necessary to the generation of their species. 



PUBEKTT AND GENERATION. 83 

But we must dismiss this subject, not having space to 
dwell upon it in this work. There are some interesting 
facts in the generation of the human species, to which we 
invite the reader's attention. 

It is somewhat amusing to contemplate the various 
theories which have been advocated in various ages of the 
world, to explain the modus operandi of the reproduction 
of the human species. The material furnished by the 
sexual organs and its development into a living being have 
puzzled the wisest philosophers, and filled their minds 
with wonder and amazement. Before the illustrious Har- 
vey demonstrated the function of the ovaries, in furnishing 
the ova, and established the doctrine omnia ex ovo — all 
living things from an egg — every theory of generation was 
confused, doubtful, and erroneous, as modern science 
plainly shows. Upon Harvey's researches, in the seven- 
teenth century, have been based all modern investigations. 

A distinguished author of the last century, by a tho- 
rough ransacking of the writings of his predecessors, col- 
lects and enumerates no less than two hundred and sixty- 
two groundless theories of generation. Of course we do 
not intend to review such a budget of error, but we will 
invite the attention of our readers to a very few of them, 
which more or less include all the others. 

1. There was a theory that the generation of the species 
was constantly maintained, as well as originally established, 
by an emanation of images and spectres from the Divine 
Being, which were arranged into perfect order. According 
to this theory all living beings, both vegetable and animal, 



84 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

are renewed and maintained by a perpetual process of 
miracles. This was the favorite dictrine of the great 
Plato ; and the agents for the arrangement and develop- 
ment of these divine emanations consisting, as he stated, 
of three persons, the man, the woman, and the child, he 
readily formed his favorite hobby of a Trinity in unity. 
But it should be remembered that there are but two agents 
employed, the man and the woman, the child being the 
result or the product of these agencies. 

2. It has been maintained, that in the first individual of 
every living thing, there was created, and really existed, 
all the germs of the succeeding progeny. Mother Eve, 
according to this doctrine, possessed in her own body all 
the material germs of every human being who succeeds 
her, and the same would be true of every living thing, 
vegetable and animal. This was called the system of evolu- 
tion — the unfolding of the germs of the original individual 
of every living species. But the absurdity of this doctrine 
will appear evident when we consider that these germs, 
however minute, are material substances and must occupy 
some space, and that we know of no limit to the multipli- 
cation of any species, so long as the outward conditions re- 
main unchanged. A single grain of corn may multiply 
itself till it covers the whole earth, and to suppose that the 
original grain possessed all the germs of every succeeding 
grain, is a mere absurdity. The true doctrine is, that 
there is developed in every individual the germs for its off- 
spring. Our first parents did not possess the germs out 
of which the reader evolved, but they were developed in 



PUBERTY AND GENERATION. 85 

the parents of the reader, and this capability of develop- 
ment is the intrinsic character of every living thing. 

3. It has been maintained by other philosophers, that 
during sexual congress, followed by fecundation, a great 
number of organic molecules, or minute particles, were 
separated from every part of the body to meet in the womb ; 
that those particles separated from the nose, eyes, heart, 
lungs, etc. , of the male, must meet those coming from the 
same organs of the female, because, as it was supposed, 
these particles, however minute, had the form of the organs 
from which they were derived. Even the great Hippo- 
crates supposed that the seminal fluid was derived from 
every part of the body, but especially from the brain and 
spinal marrow, and that it passed along the spine to the 
loins and sexual organs. But Hippocrates knew little or 
nothing about human anatomy, and his ideas upon such 
subjects must necessarily have been visionary and unsettled. 
It is now known that there is no possible passage for semi- 
nal fluid along the spine to the genital organs, and that it 
is anatomically impossible for organic molecules to pas3 
from all parts of the body to the sexual organs during the 
coupling of the sexes. The materials for a new being, it 
is now known, are furnished from the blood, which passes 
through the minute structure of glands designed for that 
purpose, viz. : the ovaries in the female, and the testes in 
the male. 

4. Before Harvey's discoveries, a large majority of phy- 
sicians were of the opinion that the female, as well as the 
male, had an emission of semen in sexual congress ; and 



86 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

that these two materials mixed in the womb, and formed a 
new being. But modern science has refuted this doctrine. 
Females, it is true, sometimes have an orgasm or acme of 
sexual pleasure, if such language is proper, similar to that 
of the male when an emission takes place. We say similar, 
but that is only inference, as the sensation both in the male 
and female is indescribable. But the idea we wish to con- 
vey is this, that it was once quite generally supposed, that 
at this indescribable moment, the female, as well as the 
male would have an emission of spermatic fluid, that would 
contribute to the formation of the embryo. This, to our 
mind, was the most reasonable theory of generation, pre- 
vious to the discovery of ovulation, but since that time, it 
has been entirely exploded, and no man of any pretensions 
to medical science holds such a notion at the present day. 
But this opinion has always appeared so rational, that it 
has been rooted and grounded in the minds of the people, 
an4 handed down from generation to generation, and is, 
perhaps, very generally entertained at the present time by 
unprofessional people. But it is now known that there is 
no such thing as an emission of spermatic fluid in the 
female during copulation. There is usually, it is true, an 
increased secretion of mucus from the vagina and neck of 
the womb, during the intercourse of the sexes, and at the 
time when the sexual pleasure runs the highest, this secre- 
tion may sometimes become quite profuse. It is this which 
is usually supposed to perform an important part in the 
generation of the species, but it really has nothing to do 
with it. Let it be remembered, also, that many females 



PUBERTY AND GENERATION. 87 

who bear children as readily as others, though they expe- 
rience some degree of pleasure in the embraces of their 
husbands, never have an orgasm, and that others, never 
experience any pleasure whatever, though no disproportion 
exists between themselves and husbands, still they conceive 
and bear children. A few such cases have been the subjects 
of our inquiry, and they have been too well established to 
admit of doubt. 

5. Another theory was that the female furnished all the 
material necessary for the generation of the species, and 
that the office of the male was merely to awaken this dor- 
mant element into life and motion, and that the subtle 
influence, which produced such a result, came from the 
brain of the male during coition. This was the favorite 
doctrine of Pythagoras, and the doctrine of many other 
philosophers somewhat modified. But there was another 
doctrine directly the opposite of this, viz. : that the male 
alone furnished all the material that was essential for the 
new being, and that the female organs furnished a fit re- 
ceptacle for such material, and the nourishment for its 
development and growth. This was the theory of the 
celebrated Galen, and after the discovery of spermatozoa, 
those who had maintained it now held the theory that the 
spermatozoa were miniature representations of men and 
women, and called them homuncuti, and that the womb of 
the female was the place where these homunculi were fur- 
nished with the materials for their nourishment and growth, 
till they became independent beings ; that if a male homun- 
culum took up its residence there, a man would be pro- 



88 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

duced ; if a female homunculum, a woman would be the 
result. 

The language in which these various theories have been 
expressed is scattered through medical works in such a 
loose and vague style, that we have preferred not to make 
any quotations in support of our assertions, but to sum them 
up, as above, in our own language. We have, perhaps, 
given the substance of every theory worth naming. 

When describing the spermatozoa, and the offices of the 
ova, we stated, that the generation of the species was ef- 
fected by a union of these two elements ; that the little micro- 
scopic spermatozoa, found in the male spermatic fluid, full 
of life and motion, and the minute ovum, not larger than 
the smallest pin's point, furnished by the female ovaries 
coming in contact and intimately mingling with each other, 
was the commencement of a new being, and being lodged 
in the womb, and receiving its proper nourishment from 
the mother, was developed into a new and independent 
being. This being the simple statement of the philosophy 
of generation, as demonstrated by modern science, let us 
' now inquire where, and by what force or law, this contact 
takes place. Some authors suppose it may take place in 
the womb, or the fallopian tubes; others think it may 
occur in either of these cavities, or upon the ovaries ; and 
still others, among whom we may name Dunglison, think 
it always occurs upon the ovaries. Our own opinion is, 
that it may occur in the womb or the fallopian tubes, but 
'seldom if ever upon the ovaries ; and we would be glad to 
"discuss the question at some length, and give onr reasons 



PUBERTY AND GENERATION. 89 

for such a view of the subject, *but neither our space, nor 
the character of this work admits of it. 

But by what force or law does the spermatozoa pass up- , 
wards to reach the ovum? It is generally supposed by 
unprofessional persons that they are thrown into the womb 
by the ejaculatory impulse of the male at the time of 
sexual intercourse ; but this would be mechanically impos- 
sible on account of the anatomical arrangement of the 
parts. The walls of the canal extending through the 
neck of the womb are nearly, and sometimes quite, in 
contact; and the womb itself is directed forwards, and 
forms a right-angle with the vagina. The semen, there- 
fore, is not ejected in the direction of the cavity of the 
womb, and can only be thrown into the vaginal pouch sur- 
rounding the neck of the womb, or upon the mouth of 
the womb, to be acted upon by other forces. And the ac- 
tion of the vagina, the womb, the fallopian tubes, and the 
motions of the spermatozoa, seem to be the forces em- 
ployed for the accomplishment of this wonderful work. 
Blundell describes certain peculiar motions of the vagina, 
which favor the passage of the semen into the lower part 
of the womb. He made observations upon the rabbit 
from which he deduced the following: — "This canal, 
during the heat, is never at rest. It shortens, it lengthens, 
it changes continually in its circular dimensions, and when 
irritated, especially, will sometimes contract to one third 
of its quiescent diameter. .And in addition to this action, 
it has another, which consists in the falling down, as it 
were, of that part of the vagina which lies in the vicinity 



90 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

of the womb ; so that it every now and then lays itself as 
flatly over its orifice, as if we should apply the hand over 
the mouth in an endeavor to stop it. How well adapted 
the whole of this curious movement is for the introduction 
of the semen at the opening, it is needless to explain." 

Again : The walls of the canal, of the neck, and of the 
cavity of the womb, lying very nearly in contact, and the 
caliber of the fallopian tubes being very small, especially 
where they open into the womb, may exert a sort of suck- 
ing force upon the semen. Take two pieces glass, and 
having placed a few drops of water upon them, hold their 
wet surfaces very nearly in contact, and the water will be 
seen to spread, and, perhaps, cover the entire surfaces ; or 
take a tube no larger than the uterine end of the fallopian 
tubes, and put one of its ends in water, and the fluid will 
be seen to rise within the tube above its level upon the 
outside, showing the attraction exerted upon it by the in- 
ternal surfaces of the tube being brought nearly in contact. 

But the principal force employed in this work seems tp 
reside in the spermatozoa themselves. These minute 
bodies, as we have explained in its proper place, are en- . 
dowed with the power of motion, and by a vital determi- 
nation, so to speak, these motions are directed towards 
the ovum and continue till the spermatozoa reach their 
destination or die upon the passage. In addition to these 
forces there may reside in the womb fallopian tubes, and 
ovaries, some specific vital force, not understood, nor sus- 
ceptible of explanation upon any mechanical or chemical 
principles, referable alone to an ultimate vital principle. 



PUBERTY AND GENERATION. 91 

The passage of the ovum from the ovary to the womb 
may be explained by the action of the cilia in the fallopian 
tubes, and the peristaltic action of those tubes ; but the 
action itself, as well as that peculiar and remarkable action 
of the fimbriated extremities of the fallopian tubes, in 
grasping the ovaries to receive the ova and pass them into ( 
the tubes, is entirely beyond our conception, and must be 
referred to an ultimate vital principle. Indeed, all man 
can do, is to investigate the conditions or laws, which con- 
trol and change the elements of matter. This is called 
science. But when matter is organized into living forms, 
there is a vital principle back of all our science, referable 
alone to the Divine Mind, and this, though seen in all 
living forms, is peculiarly exhibited in the generation of 
the species, every kind retaining its original form through 
multitudes of generations, and untold changes in outward 
conditions. 



92 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 



CHAPTER IV. 

MATRIMONY OR MAHKIAGE. 

Development of the conjugal feelings — The most proper age for 
marriages — Interesting examples — Matrimonial scale — Courtship 
and marriage customs in barbarous and semi-civilized countries 
— Ancient Britain and Scotland, Italy, Turkey, Africa, etc. — 
Amusing cases — The hymen as an evidence of virginity — errone- 
ous opinions — The Mosaic law — Unjust and oppressive laws and 
customs — The consummation of marriage — Physical disproportions 
condemned; — Great men of illegitimate birth — Mental impressions 
transmitted to the offspring — Interesting cases — Napoleon, Queen 
Mary, etc., etc. — The charm of contrasts — Feminine men and 
masculine women — Qualifications of young people for the mar- 
riage relation — Domestic acquirements— The lady loafer — The 
blessedness of home — The advice of an oriental Brahmin — Mar- 
riage as a remedy — Unjust laws relating to marriages and di- 
vorces — When divorces are justifiable — Physical impediments — 
Caution, treatment, etc. 

" Behold," says the eloquent Virey, "what pomp, what 
joys, what glory, and what magnificence are prepared by 
nature, for the marriages of plants and animals ! How 
the lion prides himself on his strength ! the antelope on 
its figure ! the peacock and swan on their plumage ! the 
fish on its silvery coat, and on the splendor of the gold 
and brilliant appearance of its body 1 How the butterfly 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 93 

expands its diamond -wings ! How the flower displays its 
charms to the rays of Aurora, enjoys in silence and drinks 
the pearly drops of the dew! All is the radiance of 
beauty in nature, the earth, covered with verdure, re- 
sounds with accents of joy and sighs of pleasure ; all ex- 
hale love, all search for it, and enjoy it — in a word, it is a 
common festival of beings. But, in a short time, the 
flower fades away, and languishes on its stem ; the but- 
terfly declines and dies ; the lion, as if fatigued by long- 
contested fights, searches for peace and retreat ; and man 
himself, overcome with languor, retires in silence, seeing 
the approach of death, which presses its iron hand on all 
that breathes." 

In the first part of the preceding chapter, we have de- 
scribed certain physical changes, in both sexes, as neces- 
sary constituents of puberty, such as the rapid growth of 
the genital organs, the development of the general contour 
and firmness of the body, the voice, etc. ; and menstru- 
ation and ovulation in the female, and the evolution of 
spermatozoa in the male. In addition 'to these changes, 
there are certain moral elements developed, which are in- 
dispensable in the matrimonial and family relations. The 
girl of twelve or thirteen years, who is equally familiar 
and playful with men as with women, in a year or two is 
entirely changed in her manners and habits. A gentleman 
can no longer beckon her to his knees, and caress her like a 
child, for she now possesses an inward passion for the op- 
posite sex, which gives rise to a sentiment of reserve, or 
"virgin shame." Until this time she was influenced by 



94 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

self-lore, parental affection, or the • friendship of young 
persons of her own sex ; but now these are insufficient ; 
she really feels — though the sentiment is vague and con- 
fused — that her well-being exists in another, that she 
cannot enjoy existence except in the intimate union of 
body, mind, and heart with one of the opposite sex, and 
this passion, as deep and abiding as nature itself, is all ex- 
pressed in the monosyllable, love ! 

The moral changes in boys are, perhaps, nearly or quite 
as great. Those of timid and delicate constitutions, whose 
associations had been chiefly with females, experience an 
unconquerable bashfulness while in their presence; and 
the powerful emotions which produce such bashfulness, 
sometimes lead the unhappy youth to a morose deport- 
ment towards the gentler sex, and more or less to avoid 
their society, and this is generally ascribed to the poor 
fellow having imbibed a dislike for females ; but how con- 
trary is the real state of things. In boys of more robust 
constitutions, however, the indications are quite different. 
Instead of hiding their feelings, or affecting dislike for 
those towards whom their instincts yearn, they manifest a 
great desire for their society, and take pleasure in a frank 
and gallant homage towards them. 

And now commences those innocent amours so delight- 
ful and pleasing to the parties themselves, and also to the 
unselfish observer. They meet; their tastes and senti- 
ments are similar; the strictest Chastity presides at their 
first interviews ; they know no other motive for their ac- 
tions than the pure inspiration of nature and the heart ; a 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. G5 

word, a glance, a whisper, and the pressure of a trembling 
hand, now produces the most thrilling enjoyment. They 
approach each other with respectful hesitation, and en- 
deavor to conceal the real nature of the sentiments which 
influence and agitate their minds ; but at the same time 
they think unutterable thoughts ; and as their love in- 
creases their interviews become more frequent and more 
intimate, and a reciprocal confidence is established between 
them ; a secret impulse controls their whole being, and, at 
length the time comes when they resolve to be one body, 
mind, and heart, and share with each other the joys and 
sorrows of life, by swearing eternal fidelity before the altar 
and in the presence of Heaven. 

" Oh happy they, the happiest of their kind ! 
Whom gentle stars unite, and in one fate 
Their hearts, their fortunes, and their beings blend. 
*Tis not alone the tie of human laws 
That binds their peace — but harmony itself, 
Attuning all their passions into love ; 
Thought meeting thought, and will pervading will, 
With boundless confidence — for nought but love 
Can answer love and render bliss secure." 

Among other subjects, the proper. age at which marriage 
should be contracted, has created no little controversy, 
especially in other countries and in former times ; but it is 
now generally agreed that the preservation of chastity by 
both sexes, at least for a few years after puberty com- 
mences, is physically and morally productive of the best 



96 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

results ; for the premature use of organs, which should 
quietly ripen and mature, is prejudicial to the health and 
vigor of both parties ; and the offspring, which may reach 
. maturity, are sickly shrubs, and make small, deformed men 
and women. To remedy'these evils, legislative acts have 
been imposed in various countries, and at various epochs 
of history, against marriages being contracted before the 
ages of twenty- three, twenty-five, twenty-seven, etc., etc. 
But all such laws must be partial, unjust, and ineffectual ; 
for in warm climates, it would be tyrannical and pernicious, 
to compel young people to wait till an age, which might be 
timely and advisable in cold climates; and even among 
persons bora and living in the same country, and the same 
latitude, the variations of physical and mental development 
are so great, that it would be impossible to establish any 
useful custom or law upon this subject. That which might 
be necessary to the health, the virtue, and even the life of 
one, might be positively injurious to another, of the same 
age, but of a different habit of constitution ; the one, at 
the age of seventeen, might acquire a maturity of develop- 
ment, which would require three or four years to produce 
in the other. 

Premature marriages have been advocated on the ground 
of morals, as being a good preventive of libertinism ; but 
we question the soundness of such reasoning. Young per- 
sons who cannot be restrained from licentious conduct, out 
of the marriage relation, would be quite certain, were they 
to marry prematurely, to contract those habits, which work 
the degradation and ruin of so many of our youth. The 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 9T 

mantle of matrimony thrown over licentiousness is, at best, 
. a sort of smothered abomination, that constantly bursts 
forth to disturb the peace and harmony of society. Louis 
XL, of France, before he arrived at the age of fourteen, 
cohabited with his queen, who was hardly twelve, and it is 
the opinion of all physiologists, that his effeminate and 
ferocious character was the consequence of the early ex- 
haustion of his sexual powers. Matrimony is often a 
cloak, but a very uncertain remedy for licentiousness. The 
8tudy of man — for the true study of man is man — and the 
careful inculcation of the precepts of morality and decorum, 
are the only safeguards to society. 

Perhaps there is no civilized country, in which so many 
early marriages are contracted, as we find among the poorer 
classes of Ireland. The chastity of the women, and the 
rarity of prostitution, seduction, and adultery, and the de- 
nunciation of the clergy against such practices, are sup- 
posed to be the chief causes of these premature marriages. 
But there must be other causes in addition to these, which 
have a powerful influence upon the poorer classes; for 
among the better classes of Ireland, and in the rural dis- 
tricts of our own America, where young men seldom 
know women till their marriage, and, therefore, are not 
prevented from marrying by their associations with un- 
chaste females, we find very few premature matrimonial 
alliances. 

The Irish are proverbial for the attention and support 
they afford their parents in their old age. This is expected, 
and it is, in a measure, enjoined by the church, and hencs 
7 



93 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

parents will speak of their children as their means of sup- 
port, and the young stock think they had better marry 
early that their children may be grown up to support them 
when they are old and beyond work, which unfortunately 
comes early in that land of destitution. 

We find another reason for early marriages, expressed 
in the old adage, ' * That misery loves company. ' ' Make a 
person miserable, and he most intensely craves the com- 
panionship of one prepared to share his sorrows, even if 
there are no joys to be dispensed ; and in this he is but ful- 
filling a law of his nature as strong and abiding as life it- 
self. And who is so well prepared to enter such partner- 
fehip, with misery and destitution for the capital, as the 
wife who never knew anything better. They know they 
can be no worse off, and when their potatoe crop is con- 
sumed, and they can procure no employment, their wives 
and children can go out begging, which the men could not 
do so well, on account of the "small luck" that would 
attend them. 

In the county of Cork, the Rev. Mr. Barry observes, 
that early marriages are very common. "I have," says 
he, u married boys of sixteen and girls of fourteen, and 
many from sixteen to eighteen. When a servant-boy is 
with a farmer, he says to himself, I have no one to wash, 
make, or mend, or do anything else for me, and I may as 
well have a wife ; we will be able to make out life in some 
way, and I do no more now. John Baskum, a servant- 
boy of sixteen, married a girl of seventeen. He had hardly 
f as much as would cover his skin ; they had scarcely bed- 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 93 

clothes to cover them ; he is badly off now, but can be no 
worse. Daly, aged seventeen, married a girl of fifteen; 
they were both servants, and not a sixpence above beg- 
gars ; but they could be no worse off. James Helan, six- 
teen, married a girl seventeen, though he was hardly able 
to cover himself. Fitzgerald, a poor servant-boy of seven- 
teen, married a girl of the same age ; they are as poor now 
and cannot be worse off. I endeavored to dissuade some 
of these persons from marrying, but they would not listen 
to me, saying, we cannot be worse off than we are. A 
girl in the poorest family is always ready to marry; it 
takes her out of other people's mouths, that is, removes 
scandal. She has also another motive — she wishes to have 
children to support her in her old age. A woman had an 
illegitimate child with a view, as she stated herself, of 
having some one to look after her when she should be too 
old to take care of herself. ' \ 

In the county of Sligo, the Rev. Mr. Gibson observes, 
i l The poor consider that when they have brought up a 
family, they have made a provision for their old age. In 
many places poor single women, widows without children, 
and even crippled beggars, were found to seek and bring 
up orphan and deserted children, without any remunera- 
tion, and merely with the view of having some one to 
assist them in their old age. Want of employment is also 
thought to assist in bringing about early marriages, as 
young men, who have no work, lounge about and become 
acquainted with females at fairs, markets, and funerals. ' ' 
In Tipperary a laborer said, " If we marry and God give 



100 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

us children, they will support us when we are beyond work ; 
but if we did not marry soon we should be broken down 
before our children would be grown enough to take care 
of us ; and we can be no worse off than we are now. " The 
girls are as anxious as the boys ; the lad sees that he can 
get no good by waking, so he marries without any fear of 
being worse off than before ; for when he has no work, if 
he is ashamed to beg himself, the wife and children will 
beg and support him ; or if he wishes to take a fling to 
some other part of Ireland, or to the English harvest, they 
will support themselves by begging till he comes back. ' ' 

While upon this subject, we will remark, to the amuse- 
ment of some, perhaps, that many philosophers are of the 
opinion that considerable disparity in the ages of persons 
contracting matrimony is productive of devotion, affection, 
and happiness, and consequently more in accordance with 
nature's unerring dictates ; that young ladies are more apt 
to become enamored with men, than with boys of their own 
age ; and sometimes with men old enough to be stigmatized 
by an ingenuous world as old bachelors ; and that young 
gents are more likely to be smitten with old maids, and 
widows, than with those younger than themselves, or about 
their own age. 

Now, if this opinion be correct, which we shall not stop 
to controvert, it would be an easy matter to construct a 
matrimonial scale, that, in one respect, at least, would be 
quite in accordance with nature: — Let a man forty-five, 
more or less, take unto himself a young lady of fifteen or 
sixteen years, and when she attains to the age of thirty- 



MATRIMONY Oil MARRIAGE. 101 

five, let her shove one side the jolly companion of her 
youth, who by this time must be a mere incumbrance to 
the matrimonial sisterhood, and let her unite her future 
destiny with a young gent of seventeen or eighteen sum- 
mers. Now, when the latter attains to the age of forty- 
five, the genial, affectionate, and sprightly old maid, or 
widow, who became the sunshine and joy of his youth, 
must stand one side, a superannuated old woman, and an 
idle spectator to the union of her youthful companion with 
a lass of fifteen, who, in due time, would have her turn ; 
and so on ad infinitum. So far as the old adage applies 
here, viz. : "Variety is the spice of life," this marriage 
programme would be more in keeping with nature's dictates, 
than the one usually followed. 

Some remarks upon courtship and marriage customs, in 
various barbarous and semi-civilized countries, may not be 
without interest to our readers. Our statements are de- 
rived from a very authentic history of Marriage Customs 
of all Nations, published in 1830, and they must be re- 
garded as perfectly reliable. It should be remembered, 
however, that since that time the advancement of civiliza- 
tion and Christianity in various parts of the world, have 
somewhat modified, or entirely changed the more unreason- 
able and amusing of these customs. 

" Among the ancient Britons, in very remote times, it 
was customary to have the women of ten or twelve families 
who dwelt under the same roof, in common, and it is said 
that Julia, wife of the Emperor Severus, reproaching a 
Briton with this custom, received for an answer, that the 



102 THK SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

Romans ought not to reproach the British ladies on this 
account, as what the latter did publicly with men of merit, 
the former were known to practice in private with the 
worst, and sometimes with their slaves. 

"There was formerly a custom in Scotland that savors 
so much of brutality, tyranny and disgust, that it seems 
almost incomprehensible, in the present polished state of 
society, that it should have ever obtained the sanction of a 
law ; but we have it from the undoubted authority of his- 
tory, that Evenus III., sixteenth king of Scotland, made a 
law that the king should have the first night after marriage 
with all noblemen's daughters, and that noblemen and 
heritors of lands have the same freedom with the daughters 
of their tenants and vassals, and that both wives and 
daughters of every subject should be common to the king 
and his nobles. The law giving the first night after mar- 
riage to the landlord, was in being till the time of Malcolm 
III., whose queen, St. Margaret, procured the abolition 
of so wicked a law. 

" There is a custom in Italy, known as the Cecisbeat, 
which is carried to a very extravagant extent in Genoa. 
With the day of the nuptials ceases every public intercourse 
between the husband and the wife. They must not be 
seen together, neither walking, nor at the play-house, nor 
in company; in short, nowhere but at home. In other 
cities many husbands put themselves above that foolish 
usage, out of love to their wives, and have nothing else to 
fear than to be looked upon as unfashionable husbands ; 
but here the most united couple must not think of such a 



S1AT&1M0NY UR MAKRIAGE. 103 

thing. To be forsaken by all friends, derided by enemies 
and insnlted by the mob, are unavoidable consequences, if 
they are ever seen together in public. In Spain, the cortejos, 
as it is called, amounts to nearly the same thing, and no 
one has any legal right to complain. 

[ ' The number of women in the Turkish harem depends 
on the taste of the reigning Sultan. Selim had two thou- 
sand ; Achmet had but three hundred. The Grand Seig- 
nior is not permitted to take a virgin to his bed except 
during solemn festivals, and on receiving good news ; upon 
which occasion the ceremony is described as follows : — 

■ ' As soon as the Grand Seignior has chosen the girl that 
he has destined to be his companion for the night, all the 
others follow her to the bath, washing and perfuming her ; 
she is then dressed superbly, and conducted to the sultan's 
chamber, with singing, dancing, and rejoicing, who is gene- 
rally on such an occasion already in bed. Scarcely has the 
newly elected favorite reached the chamber of her lord, in- 
troduced by the grand eunuch, who is upon guard, than 
she kneels down, and when the sultan calls, she creeps into 
bed to him at the foot of the bed, unless the sultan orders 
her, by special grace, to approach by the side. After a 
certain time, upon a signal being given, the governess of 
the girls with all her suite, enters the apartment, and con- 
ducts her back, with the same ceremony as before, to the 
women's department. Should she prove pregnant and be 
delivered of a boy she is called Asaki-Sultaness, which 
means Sultaness-mother. For the first son, she has the 
honor of being crowned, and has the liberty of forming 



104 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

*a court. She has also a particular guard of eunuchs for 
her particular service. * * * * * 

"In nearly all parts of Abyssinia, there is no form of 
marriage except the agreement of the parties to live to- 
gether as long as they like each other. They cohabit to- 
gether when they please, and annul or renew the contract 
in the same manner. Thus a woman or man of the first 
quality may be in company with a dozen who have been 
their bridegroom or bride, though perhaps none of them 
may be so at present. Upon separation they divide the 
children. The eldest son falls to the mother's first choice, 
and the eldest daughter to the father ; if there is but one 
daughter, and all the rest sons, she is assigned to the 
father ; if but one son, and all the rest are daughters, he is 
assigned to the mother ; should the number be unequal, 
after the first election, the rest are divided by lot. There 
is no distinction from the prince to the beggar, of illegiti- 
mate or legitimate children. 

1 c Hottentot marriages are made by the parents or near- 
est relations ; and if the female disapprove of the match, it 
is said that she is nevertheless compelled to pass the night 
with the man whom her friends have chosen. If the mar- 
riage be consummated she is constrained to become his wife, 
but on the contrary if she preserve herself uncontaminated, 
she is ever after free from him. 

"The portion they give a son on his marriage is usually 
two cows and two sheep ; to a daughter, one of each, which 
are to be returned to the father if the bride die without 
having any children ; but if she ever bore any children to 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 105 

her husband even though they are defunct, the portion 
becomes his. A man who has been divorced may marry 
again, but a woman may not, while her former husband is 
living. Adultery is punished with death. * * 

" In some parts of Africa, marriages take place between 
white men and blacks or mulattoes, but they are not in- 
dissoluble ; they last during the pleasure of the parties, 
nor does a separation reflect any discredit. A black wo- 
man in general thinks herself honored in partaking of the 
touch of a white man, and is true, submissive and grate- 
ful, to the utmost ; in short, she uses every art to merit his 
kindness and love. If the husband embark to cross the 
sea, the disconsolate wife accompanies him to the shore, 
and sometimes follows him by swimming a considerable 
way after the vessel, till her strength is exhausted ; when 
obliged to return, she gathers up the sand on which are 
the last impressions of his footsteps, which she ties up in 
a piece of cotton and lays under her pillow. * * 

The Chevalier Marchais, who was present at an execu- 
tion for adultery, gives the following account of it: — 

u A grandee complained to the king that a private per- 
son had debauched his wife ; his majesty, upon hearing the 
witnesses, sentenced the adulterer to be beaten to death 
wherever he could be found, and the body left there until 
it was devoured or rotten. The officers belonging to the 
governor of Sabi found the culprit just entering his own 
door : they soon despatched him with their clubs, and left 
the body as the king had ordered. The neighbors went 
to acquaint the captain of the seraglio that the body would 



106 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

infect all that quarter of the town where it lay before it was 
consumed, and entreated he would obtain the king's orders 
for its removal. The officer represented their complaint to 
the king, who replied, ' If I did not punish adultery with 
severity, no person in my country could be safe. The 
body shall lay there till it be devoured or rotten. The 
people shall see it, and learn at the expense of this wretch 
how they invade their neighbor's bed. All I grant is, 
that they may in the day-time throw a mat over the body, 
leaving the face uncovered, that all persons may see the 
countenance of him who has denied his neighbor's wife, 
and detest him. ' Not content with this, the king gave all 
the effects of the offender to the injured man." — Moore's 
Marriage Customs'. 

But we must pass on to consider other matters of im- 
portance connected witli matrimony. In every part of the 
world, both savage and civilized, female virtue has always 
been held in the highest esteem. And the usual sign of 
virginity, the existence of which is always uncertain, is 
still required by many classes as the only satisfactory evi- 
dence of chastity. We allude to the hymen, a description 
of which will be found in our chapter on the Female Geni- 
tal Organs. Many unsuspecting and innocent females 
have been disgraced, and, according to the Mosaic law, 
stoned to death, for not possessing this proof of virginity at 
the time of marriage ; and the Turks, Persians, Arabians, 
Egyptians, etc., as well as the Jews, insist upon it at the 
present day. According to the Mosaic law, when a man 
married a wife, and made a complaint that she was not a 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 107 

virgin, if her parents produced her napkin before the 
elders with blood upon it, the false accuser was fined for 
bringing slander upon the damsd, and he was not allowed 
to put her away ; but if that token of her virginity could 
not be produced, she was brought out of her father's 
house and stoned to death by the men of the city. This 
law is contained in Deut. xxii. 13-21. We will quote the 
language : — 

" If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate 
her, 

■ ; And give occasion of speech against her, and bring up 
an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and 
when I came to her I found her not a maid ; 

4 ' Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, 
take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel's virginity 
unto the elders of the city in the gate : 

"And the damsel's father shall say unto the elders, I 
gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her, 

"And lo, he hath given occasion of speech against her, 
saying, I found not thy daughter a maid ; and yet these 
are the tokens of my daughter's virginity. And they shall 
spread the cloth before the elders of the city. 

"And the elder3 of that city shall take that man and 
chastise him. 

1 ' And they shall amerce him in a hundred shekels of 
silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel, be- 
cause he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of 
Israel ; and she shall be his wife, he may not put her away 
all her days. 



108 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

" But if this thing be true, and the tokens be not found 
for the damsel ; 

u Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of 
her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her 
xcith stones till she die, because she hath wrought folly in 
Israel, to play the whore in her father's house ; so shalt 
thou put evil away from among you." 

How many virtuous females have been stoned to death, 
or suffered disgrace in various ways, for not possessing the 
hymen at the time of marriage, Heaven only knows ! It 
is, therefore, the duty of medical men to disabuse the 
public mind upon this subject. Justice and humanity to 
females require this. Facts in science are infallible, and 
to these all mere speculative notions must give way. Now 
what are some of the facts upon this subject? 

1. The hymen' does not always exist. All medical men 
who have investigated this subject coincide with this 
opinion. Wilson, whose text-book tipon special anatomy 
is one of the most popular extant, says, "The hymen must 
not be considered a necessary accompaniment of virginity, 
for its existence is very uncertain" 

2. It is now agreed that the disease known as leucorrhoea, 
or the whites, to which young women o'f feeble constitu- 
tions are liable, will sometimes destroy the hymen. When 
this membrane is very thin and delicate, and the discharge 
from the vagina is very acrid, it will corrode, or wear it 
away, leaving the maid without the hymeneal evidence of 
virginity, which she before possessed. 

3. It may be ruptured by accidents of various kinds, 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 109 

such as falling upon sharp, projecting objects; by the 
fancy dance, when the limbs are extremely and unnaturally 
distended, and the body contorted ; by masturbation, and 
even by curiosity. 

It must, therefore, be admitted that the absence of the 
hymen, and consequently the want of any effusion of blood 
at the consummation of the marriage-rite, is no proof 
that the woman is not a virgin. The existence of a well- 
formed hymen is, of course, proof of virginity, but its 
absence, we repeat, is no proof of a want of virginity. 

Moreover, the hymen is sometimes so slightly formed, 
that it is a mere ring or border of membrane, upon the 
lateral and inferior portion of the orifice of the vagina, 
allowing sexual connection to take place without its rup- 
ture. Such hymens have been found entire at the time 
of parturition; and, of course, could be no evidence of 
virginity at the time of marriage, as connection could take 
place before, as well as after marriage, without their rup- 
ture. 

But whatever value may be placed upon the hymen, it is 
a poor criterion of character, for a woman may possess one 
as strong and tough as a sow's ear, and be the very em- 
bodiment of Satan, so far as her disposition and moral 
principles are concerned. There are other ways open to 
both sexes by which parties contracting marriage must 
judge of character. A suitable acquaintance, and the ex- 
ercise of common judgment and common sense, as to the 
reputation, deportment, and moral sentiments of each 
other are the only safeguards ; and these are usually suffi- 



110 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

cient, if the parties will keep their eyes open and not 
allow themselves to become voluntarily blinded. Mar- 
riages are frequently like lotteries, but they ought not to 
be so. The parties are blinded to the most serious defects 
of character till after marriage, when a mole-hill very soon 
becomes a mountain, and, instead of the placebo, kind 
words, and a forgiving disposition, we find jealousies and 
jargons, cats and dogs, fire and tqngs, et cetera. 

The consummation of marriage should be effected with 
gentleness. If effected with the impetuosity and coarse- 
ness of brutes, and the female be young and of slender 
proportions, more or less laceration and pain, followed by 
inflammation and swelling of the parts, may be produced, 
even if there should be no hymen. Some formidable cases 
of the kind have come under our treatment, and we have 
always looked upon them as no better than rapes com- 
mitted under the cloak of matrimony. Be gentle, then, 
and wait awhile till the proper familiarity is induced, and 
the promptings of nature make the act desirable. 

There ought not, in our opinion, to be any great physical 
disproportion in parties contracting matrimony. A deli- 
cate, slightly formed female, with a small pelvis, ought to 
hesitate long before marrying a large, stoutly built man ; 
for they would not be adapted to each other, and the off- 
spring would be so large as to produce very great suffering 
in parturition, and endanger the life, both of the mother 
and the child. This is the fate of many girls of small 
stature. They purchase the pleasures of matrimony at a 
very dear rate. Besides, there is something very ludi- 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE* 111 

crous, to our mind, in seeing a man of monstrous dimen- 
sions with a wife of huge littleness. A man standing six 
feet in his boots, and weighing two hundred avoirdupois, 
with a woman of slender proportions, weighing eighty or 
ninety pounds, may be an entertaining farce, but it often 
ends in tragedy. 

It would be well for the world if the same good sense 
could be exercised in the improvement of the genus homo 
that is constantly exhibited in raising cattle for the sham- 
bles; but in the former case man's sexual passions are 
concerned, which, in matrimonial contracts, seem to out- 
weigh every other consideration. Man is imperfect be- 
cause he is man ; were he perfect he would be an angel of 
light, or, at least, occupy a sphere not intended for. the 
human race. Metaphysicians may speculate and have 
their fine-spun theories, some of them quite plausible, and 
others very coarsely spun and quite ridiculous ; but here is 
man, whose nature is always the same and unchangeable ; 
he possesses the same faculties and instincts now that 
were a part of his being when he came from the hand of 
his Creator. This is beautifully illustrated in the Mosaio 
account of the origin and conduct of the first pair in the 
garden of Eden. We can improve all the faculties of 
human nature, but we cannot entirely change or subvert 
them. 

By importing horses and cattle from other countries and 
crossing the breed, we can greatly improve stock ; and the 
same law applies to the human species. This law is, per- 
haps, better illustrated in Persia than in any other country. 



112 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

It is said that in that country the custom has existed for a 
long time among the nobles of purchasing beautiful Circas- 
sian female captives, and forming matrimonial alliances 
with them ; and we have seen it stated by travelers, that 
the Persian nobles are more gifted in natural qualities, 
both physical and mental, than any other class of that 
people. The violation of this law is very strikingly illus- 
trated in England, France, Spain, and Portugal. In those 
countries, the nobility generally marry within very narrow 
limits, and the degeneracy, and even idiocy, of many of 
them is the result. 

Sexual excesses, producing debility of the generative 
organs; and a feeble effort at sexual commerce, " 'tween 
sleep and wake/' is, no doubt, another cause of feeble off- 
spring. Hence it has long been observed that men of 
genius were more likely to be the first-born, or to be bas- 
tards, because the first love is generally the most ardent. 
Such was a great number of the heroes of antiquity, who, 
being bastards, were said to have descended from the gods, 
and to have been born of virgins. Hercules, Esculapius, 
and Romulus were among the number. The greatest 
legislators that Asia ever had, came into the world after 
the same fashion, and hence Zoroaster, Confucius, Ma- 
homet, Zaccai, etc. , were said to be born of virgins. Such, 
also was Homer, Gallileo, Erasmus, etc. The most dis- 
tinguished poets have entertained the same opinion and 
Shakspeare very beautifully expresses the same sentiment 
when he makes Edmund say — 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 113 

" Why brand they us 
With base ? with baseness ? bastardy ? base ? base ? 
Who, in the lusty stealth of nature, 
Take more composition and fierce quality 
Than doth, within a dull, stale, tired bed, 
Go to the creating a whole tribe of fops, 
Got 'tween sleep and wake." 

Dr. Ryan says, " The canon law of Muscovy forbids con- 
jugal intercourse on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays." 
The object of such an edict is evident ; it is to prevent, as 
far as possible, the bad consequences of sexual excesses 
and abuses. But should all the churches in this Yankee 
land issue such bulls, we fear it would be difficult to en- 
force submission to their mandates, however wise and be- 
neficent, as the cry would be raised from one end of the 
land to the other, that they were opposed to the constitu- 
tion and the union. 

The state of mind, both of the father and mother, at 
the time of sexual intercourse, resulting in pregnancy, and 
the state of mind of the mother during pregnancy, may 
have some influence upon the offspring. There can be little 
doubt that this influence is sometimes very marked. Of 
this there have been many noted examples, a very few of 
which we will very briefly notice : — 

Charles Buonaparte, the father of Napoleon Buonaparte, 
was in the midst of civil discords, fights, and skirmishes 
when he married Letitia Ramolini, a beautiful young 
woman possessed of great firmness of character. During 
the years of civil war she partook of the dangers of her 
8 



114 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

husband, and accompanied him on horseback on some 
military expeditions, and hasty flights, shortly before she 
was delivered of the future emperor. Mary, Queen of 
Scotland, shortly before the birth of her son, which was 
afterwards James the First of England, was greatly alarmed 
by the murder of David Rizzio, which was perpetrated in 
her presence with many circumstances of violence and 
cruelty ; and it is stated in history that sudden emotions 
of fear were a prominent characteristic of this monarch, 
and that he always started involuntarily at the sight of a 
drawn sword. Queen Mary was not deficient in courage, 
and the Stuarts, both before and after James the First, 
were distinguished for their chivalry, so that this quality 
of his mind was an exception to the family trait. Na- 
poleon and James form striking contrasts, and the expla- 
nation is not difficult. Napoleon's mother, it appears, 
was not alarmed at her condition, but her mind rose to 
the circumstances in which she was placed and she was 
fully prepared to meet their dangers ; while the circum- 
stances in which Queen Mary was placed were calculated 
to inspire her with fear alone. 

A celebrated French writer mentions the circumstance, 
that many children, whose existence dated from the period 
when the horrors of the French revolution were at their 
height, turned out to be irritable, nervous people, ex- 
tremely susceptible of impressions, and liable, by any ex- 
traordinary excitement to be thrown into insanity. 

An English surgeon mentions the following case: — "A 
man had a fall from a horse by which a portion of his skull 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 115 

was fractured, and pressed inwards upon the brain. Pre- 
vious to this injury he had a son that was of sound mind, 
but after the injury, and while the bone remained pressed 
in upon the brain, he became the father of two children, 
both of whom were idiots. After this he had the operation 
performed called trepanning, and the bone removed from 
the brain, and had other children that turned out to be of 
sound mind." A lady of position wrote as follows: — 
;i From the age of two, I foresaw that my eldest son's 
restlessness would ruin him; and it has been even so. 
Yet he was kind, brave and affectionate. I read the Iliad 
for six months before he saw the light, and have often 
wondered if that could have any influence on him. He 
was actually an Achilles. ' ' Similar cases might be multi- 
plied to almost any extent, but the above must suffice. 
What admonition to tipplers and drunkards ! Even Plu- 
tarch laid it down as an axiom, "That no man keep com- 
pany with his wife for issue-sake, but when he is sober, as 
not having before drunk any wine, or, at least, such a 
quantity as to distemper him ; for they usually prove wine- 
bibbers and drunkards, whose parents beget them when 
they were drunk ; wherefore Diogenes said to a stripling, 
somewhat crack-brained and half-witted, " Surely, young 
man, thy father begot thee when he was drunk. ' ' 

One of the greatest charms in matrimonial alliances is 
contrasts. A masculine woman disgusts a man, and a 
feminine man is looked upon with contempt by women. 
A man should endeavor to cultivate all those qualities 
which belong to his masculine nature ; and a woman should 



116 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

strive to improve herself in all those duties and graces 
which belong to her sex ; and any attempt on the part of 
either sex to ape the other, is always in bad taste. The 
man who wears long curly hair, parted in the middle, and 
has small feet pinched up with smaller boots, is an object 
of disgust to both sexes ; and even a lady dressed in boy's 
clothes upon the stage, always excites a certain undefinable 
feeling of loathing. 

It will usually be found that the gentler sex fix their 
• affections upon men most distinguished for those qualities 
which do not belong to the female character, and the con- 
verse is true of man. This is a great law of nature, which 
cannot be evaded. Admiration of any kind, is more in- 
tensely directed toward those qualities which we do not, 
than towards those which we do possess. Man looks for 
chastity, modesty and gentleness in his mate ; while woman 
looks more for integrity, honor, strength and firmness. 
The most incongruous relation in this world, consists of a 
feminine man and a masculine woman yoked together in 
matrimony ; the woman wearing the breeches and the man 
the petticoats. Such marriages should never be contracted, 
for they are a sin against nature, and a disgrace to society, 
and always render the parties miserable. This law of con- 
trasts is beautifully illustrated by the classic statue of Hector 
and Andromache. The trustful mother clings about the 
manly form of her lord armed for the fight, as she fondly 
exclaims, 

u Too daring chief ! ah, whither dost thou run ! 
Ah ! too forgetful of thy wife and son." 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE, 117 

But the most important question connected with matri- 
mony, relates to the qualifications of the parties to meet 
the responsibilities, and provide for the necessaries and 
comforts of life. Without such qualifications, love is a 
dangerous passion, producing naught but misery, and in- 
fusing the elements of discord into society. Parties con- 
tracting matrimony should, therefore, look well at such 
matters, and not undervalue the prospects of a respectable 
and comfortable position in life. These responsibilities, are 
mutual. It is the duty of every young man, to seek the 
highest degree of perfection in the occupation he selects 
for life, as it is the means of his future position and sup- 
port; and it is no less the duty of the young woman, to 
seek those qualifications which enable her to act well her 
part as the wife and mother ; and the success of -life de- 
pends quite as much upon the one as the other. Young 
women should be educated to do every kind of housework, 
for it is impossible to tell what her future position will be ; 
if one of moderate circumstances, such qualifications will 
be indispensable to the respectability and comfort of the 
family ; if one of wealth and ease, she will know how to 
superintend the affairs of her own household much better 
than she otherwise would, and will always be wiser and 
better for the possession of such accomplishments. House- 
hold work should be made a study, and should be learned 
as a trade, and when the young woman fails in any par- 
ticular branch, she should renew her efforts till she over- 
comes the difficulties, and perfects herself in the art. But 
how often do we find the young man. toiling from morn 



118 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

till eve, while we find the young lady who is to become his 
future companion, lounging in the parlor, reading silly, 
sickening, sentimental tales of love, jealousy, and murder ; 
dressing and painting for the streets, etc. , etc. , seeming to 
have no object to live for except to get married and be a 
burden and bill of expense to her husband. This is all 
wrong, and parents, who allow their daughters to grow up 
to womanhood in such indolence, are very likely, sooner or 
later^ to witness the sad consequences of their neglect and 
folly. 

Reader! are you aware of the difference between the 
young lady of to-day, and the one of half, or even a quarter 
of a century ago ? Then, a lady could sing in plain musical 
English ; she <30uld wash and starch ; bake and cook all 
kinds of food; milk a cow, and make butter and cheese, if 
necessary ; and always look neat enough, in her calico or 
home-spun worsted, to be seen by a neighbor without 
stopping to dregs and paint. If she didn't like to work 
she was called lazy, but now we have no lazy girls, they are 
all delicate; a strange compound of dress and nerves, which 
causes her to shudder at the sight of a wash-tub, and to 
run and scream at the switching of a cow's tail. She sings 
11 divinely," and plays the piano "exquisitely," but neither 
of these is half so intelligible as the jabbering of our North 
American Indians. She lounges about in the morning, 
embroiders a little, then dresses herself up and promenades 
for the benefit of some " genteel exquisite ;" and thus she 
passes her days, a mere loafer, for such is the meaning of 
the term. Let me warn gentlemen to beware of such 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 119 

young ladies. Never marry the girl who sits in the parlor 
while the mother stands in the kitchen. 

We do not mean that women should submit themselves 
to protracted labor, and exhausting drudgery, who are able 
to live in easier circumstances ; but there is a universal 
law of nature, which requires that all our faculties, physi- 
cal and mental, shall be duly exercised, and no exercise 
can take the place of useful work. The woman, there- 
fore, who has no useful employment, bears upon her head 
the curse of Heaven ; this curse works in her failing health, 
in her fretful temper, in her fading beauty, and in her days 
devoured by ennui. 

A woman's proper sphere is home, and when she is 
educated to meet its duties and responsibilities, her influ- 
ence is supreme, whether as mother, wife, sister, or friend. 
It is here that her virtues can be properly estimated ; for 
the family is a divinely ordained institution, whence eman- 
ate all the strong and holy influences of a mother's love ; 
all the sacred ties of parental affection and esteem, and all 
the fraternal and filial relations and duties of life, upon 
which the well-being, and very existence of society depend. 
How supremely glorious then is woman's mission! Who 
will deny that she possesses rights equal with man ? Who 
would desecrate those rights, and make woman the mere 
servant of despotic men ? 

The following words, addressed to men and women by 
an Oriental Brahmin, which are translated from an Indian 
Manuscript, entitled the "Economy of Human Life," are 
replete with admonition and lessons of wisdom. 



120 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 



MAID— WIFE— MOTHER, 

" Give ear fair daughter of love ! to the instructions of 
prudence, and let the precepts of truth sink deep in thy 
heart : so shall the charm of thy mind add elegance to thy 
form; and thy beauty, like the rose.it resembleth, shall 
retain its sweetness when its bloom is withered. 

"In the spring of thy youth, in the morning of thy 
days, when the eyes of men gaze on thee with delight, and 
nature whispereth to thine ear the meaning of their looks : 
Ah ! hear with caution their seducing words, guard well 
thy heart, nor listen to their soft persuasions. 

" Remember thou art made man's reasonable companion, 
not the slave of his passion ; the end of thy being is not 
merely to gratify his loose desire, but to assist him in the 
toils of life, to soothe him with thy tenderness, and recom- 
pense his care with soft endearments. 

"Who is she that winneth the heart of a man, that 
subdueth him to love, and reigneth in his breast ? 

"Lo! yonder she walketh in maiden sweetness, with 
innocence in her mind, and modesty upon her cheeks. 

"Her hand seeketh employment, her foot delighteth 
not in gadding abroad. 

' ' She is clothed with neatness, she is fed with tem- 
perance ; humility and meekness are as a crown of glory 
circling her head. 

c iOn her tongue dwelleth music, the sweetness of honey 
fioweth from her lips. 



ilATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 121 

"Decency is in all her words, in her answers are mild- 
ness and truth. 

11 Submission and obedience are the lessons of her life, , 
and peace and happiness are her reward. 

" Before her steps walketh prudence, and virtue at- 
tendeth at her right hand. 

"Her eye speaketh softness and love; but discretion 
with a scepter sitteth on her brow. 

1 ; The tongue of the licentious is dumb in her presence, 
the awe of her virtue keepeth him silent. 

? ; When scandal is busy, and the fame of her neighbor is 
tossed from tongue to tongue ; if charity and good-nature 
open not her mouth, the finger of silence resteth on her lip. 

"Her breast is the mansion of goodness, and therefore 
she suspecteth no evil in others. 

* c Happy is the man that shall make her his wife ; happy 
is the child that shall call her mother. 

"She presideth in the house, and there is peace; she 
commandeth with judgment, and is obeyed. 

4 ' She ariseth in the morning, she considereth her affairs, 
and appointeth to every one their proper business. 

I ' The care of her family is her whole delight ; to that 
alone she applieth her study, and elegance with frugality 
is seen in her mansion. 

"The prudence of her management is an honor to her 
husband, and he heareth her praise with a secret delight. 

" She informeth the minds of her children with wisdom, 
she fashioneth their manners from the example of her own 
goodness. 



122 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

"The word of her mouth is the law of their youth, the 
motion of her eye commandeth their obedience. 

" She speaketh, and her servants fiy; she pointeth, and 
the thing is done. 

* ' For the law of love is in their hearts, and her kindness 
addeth wings to their feet. 

"In prosperity she is not puffed up ; in adversity she 
healeth the wounds of fortune with patience. 

"The troubles of her husband are alleviated by her 
counsels, and sweetened by her endearments ; he putteth 
his heart in her bosom, and receiveth comfort. 

"Happy the man that has made her his wife; happy 
the child that calleth her mother.' * 



HUSBAND. 

"Take unto thyself a wife, and obey the ordinance of 
God. Take unto thyself a wife, and become a faithful 
member of society. 

' ' But examine with care, and»fix not suddenly. On thy 
present choice, depends thy future happiness. If much 
of her time is destroyed in dress and adornments ; if she is 
enamored of her own beauty, and delighted with her own 
praise ; if she laugheth much, and talketh loud ; if her foot 
abideth not in her* 1 father's house, and her eyes with bold- 
ness rove on the fapes of men ; though her beauty were as 
the sun in the firmament of Heaven, turn thy eyes from 
her charms, turn thy feet from her paths, and suffer not 
thy soul to be ensnared by the allurements of imagination. 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 123 

" But when thou findest sensibility of heart, joined with 
softness of manners ; an accomplished mind, with a form 
agreeable to thy fancy ; take her to thine house ; she is 
worthy to be thy friend, thy companion in life, the wife of 
thy bosom. 

1 ' Oh cherish her as a blessing sent thee from Heaven. 
Let the kindness of thy behavior endear thee to her heart. 

1 ' She is the mistress of thy house ; treat her therefore 
with respect, that thy servants may obey her. 

1 ; Oppose not her inclination without cause ; she is the 
partner of thy cares, make her also the companion of thy 
pleasures. 

"Reprove her faults with gentleness, exact not her 
obedience with rigor. 

1 ' Trust thy secrets in her breast ; her counsels are 
sincere, thou shalt not be deceived. 

'' ' Be faithful to her bed ; for she is the mother of thy 
children. 

y ' When pain and sickness assault her, let thy tenderness 
soothe her afflictions ; a look from thee, of pity and love, 
shall alleviate her grief, or mitigate her pain, and be of 
more avail than many physicians. 

' c Consider the tenderness of her sex, the delicacy of her 
frame ; and be not severe to her weakness, but remember 
thine own imperfections. " 

But marriage may be regarded as a remedy. When 
contracted with due regard to morality and affection, it is 
good for the body, and the mind, and single-blessedness is 



124 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

not very blessed after all that can be said in its favor. 
Next to unhappy marriages, celibacy is probably one of 
the most miserable conditions of life, and we would warn 
persons of both sexes against it. Every man is made for 
a woman, and every woman is made for a man, unless 
they were spoilt in making. But we said marriage might 
be regarded as a remedy. With the male sex, marriage, 
properly used and not abused, corrects many morbid affec- 
tions, makes the muscles firmer, the step more elastic, and 
the voice more masculine, and increases the energy and 
vigor of the system. Every manly attribute becomes more 
boldly developed, and a new dignity and lustre is added to 
the mind. 

As to young women, especially those of a warm and af- 
fectionate disposition, there can be no doubt that the na- 
tural exercise of the organs of reproduction, has the hap- 
piest effects upon the system. It not unfrequently acts a3 
a most potent and effectual remedy. Such female dis- 
orders as painful menstruation, leucorrhoea, hysteria, 
irregularities, etc. , usually disappear soon after marriage, 
unless long habit, or some new disturbing cause prolong 
them ; and, therefore, when the young marriageable maid 
exhibits symptoms of the approach of such disorders, she 
should be united to the object of her affections, if con- 
sistent with prudence and morality. On this subject the 
advice of Hippocrates, though more than two thousand 
years old, is still applicable, for he prescribes marriage as 
the natural remedy for many wasting female diseases. 

When we commenced this chapter, we expected to de- 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 125 

vote a portion of it to the consideration of the civil laws 
relating to matrimony, divorces, the disposition of pro- 
perty among married persons, etc. , but we find we have no 
space for the discussion* of such questions. We will, 
however, remark that we regard the statute laws, in most 
of our States, touching these matters, as immoral, unjust, 
and oppressive. They afford no safe-guards against hasty 
and immoral marriages. Young people meet for the first 
time, and in twenty-four or forty-eight hours afterwards, 
hasten off to the magistrate or minister to be united in 
matrimony ; clandestine marriages are made through the 
newspapers, and young persons run away from their 
parents, and in a few hours are united in marriage, no no- 
tification or publishing of the intentions of the bands of 
matrimony being required by our laws as they stand at the 
present time. But the marriage having taken place, the 
laws are so framed as to perpetuate its existence, though 
accompanied by the most hideous depravity, crime and 
misery. In New York, if one of the parties is convicted 
of felony, or deserts the other for the period of five years, 
nothing being heard from the absconder during the time, 
the innocent party is free to marry again ; but a divorce 
can be obtained for no causes except adultery, which, from 
the very nature of the case, is always a difficult thing to 
prove. One of the parties may become the very embodi- 
ment of his Satanic majesty, still there can be no divorce 
without^ evidence to establish the crime of adultery, and 
the laws are not much better in Pennsylvania and many 
other States. 



126 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

But there is one State, at least, where a more just, 
liberal, and magnanimous sentiment prevails upon this 
subject. In that State, any defects of character, which 
prevent marrie/l persons living tbgether in peace, are suffi- 
cient causes for the dissolution of the bands of matrimony ; 
and it is fortunate that there is such a State as a sort of 
outlet for the smothered abominations, eruptions of crime, 
and disturbances of society, which result from such forced 
alliances. 

When, therefore, married persons cannot live together, 
except in misery, arising from jealousy, want of fidelity 
and respect for each other, the sooner an eternal separa- 
tion takes place the better for the parties themselves and 
for society ; for an unhappy marriage is a hell upon earth, 
and to perpetuate it is a crime in the sight of Heaven. 
We do not, of course, speak of temporary and trivial 
faults, which should always be settled by the parties them- 
selves, without the interference or even knowledge of third 
parties ; but we speak of those radical defects of character 
which must always continue to render the marriage relation 
one of dishonor, disgrace, and misery. In such cases 
break the vinculo matrimonii and be guided by lessons 
of wisdom in the future. 

A few words respecting the physical causes of unhappy 
marriages must close this chapter. 

There are certain affections which often destroy conjugal 
happiness, and inflict the bitterness of despair and hu- 
miliation upon thousands. When matrimony is contracted 
under the most promising auspices ; when all seems fair 



MATRIMONY OR MARRIAGE. 127 

as a summer landscape ; how often there comes a blight 
that crushes hope, and sows the seeds of discord among 
families. We all know this is a common occurrence, but 
the causes are usually hid behind the curtains of false 
pride and modesty. Sometimes these causes date from 
the bridal-day itself, at other times they seem to arise 
suddenly from certain remote causes, which the sufferer, 
without competent medical advice, cannot even conjecture. 
Much misery is frequently produced by a fear that the 
impediments which disappoint expectation, and baffle en- 
joyment, are incurable, when the state of things is by no 
means so deplorable, but perfectly under the control of 
the medical man skilled in this department of medical 
science. We would, therefore, admonish such persons 
not to decide too hastily against themselves or the partners 
of their beds, but to ascertain if the impediments, whatever 
they may be, cannot be removed. Young man! young 
woman ! be guided by the dictates of sound reason ; let 
your best judgment prompt you to act sensibly in matters 
of such importance. Be careful not to place your happi- 
ness in the hands of a pjiysician who gives no evidence of 
investigation and skill in this branch of practice, and then 
brood over your sorrows the rest of your life, and de- 
nounce the medical art as insufficient to afford you relief ! 
For there is no department of medicine which requires so 
much investigation, skill, caution, and delicacy, on the 
part of the physician, as that which deals with the relations 
between the sexes and those physical causes which pro- 
duce wedded happiness or the reverse. 



128 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 



CHAPTER V. 

PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 

Extra-uterine pregnancy — False pregnancy — The non-gravid womb 
— The changes and enlargement of the womb during pregnancy — 
The origin, development, and uses of the membranes, placenta, 
umbilical cord and bay of waters — The appearance and size of 
the foetus at different periods of its development — The nutrition 
of the foetus — How the blood is purified in the placenta, and the 
blood pabulum transmitted from the mother to the foetus — Prac- 
tical inferences — Diseases of the man communicated to the wo- 
man through the placenta — The likeness and peculiarities of the 
first husband communicated to the children of the second hus- 
band, etc. — The duration of pregnancy — Great variations — The 
Gardner peerage case — Duration of pregnancy in a crazy woman 
— Variations in the lower animals — Dr. Reid's table — The signs 
of pregnancy — Cessation of the menses — Morning sickness — 
Changes in the breasts — Quickening — Form of the abdomen — 
Changes in the mouth and neck of the womb — Rebound of tho 
foetus — Sounds of the foetal heart, etc. 

When describing the male and female genital organs, we 
gave special attention to the functions of the ovaries and 
testicles ; the former furnishing the ova or female germ- 
cells, and the latter the spermatozoa or vital element of the 
male spermatic fluid. We have shown that the union of 
these two elements is indispensable in the production of a 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATffcN. 129 

new being and the perpetuation of the species. Now the 
contact of these elements constitutes fecundation, and the 
reception and fixedness of the fecundated ovum within the 
cavity of the uterus are properly denominated conception, 
and the development and growth of the ovum, till it is 
fully prepared for an independent existence, are known as 
pregnancy or gestation. 

. Previous to quickening, the fecundated ovum is usually 
called the embryo ; after that period it is more properly 
called the foetus ; but when it is born into the world it is no 
longer a foetus, but the babe, the infant, the child. 

By some freak of nature, or more properly, some inter- 
ference with the legitimate processes of nature's laws, the 
fecundated ovum is not always lodged in rfie womb, and 
pregnancy goes on, for a time, outside of the cavity of that 
organ. It is sometimes found in the substance of the 
ovary, and is called ovarian pregnancy ; it is also found in 
the fallopian tubes, and is called fallopian pregnancy ; at 
other times it is found in the peritoneal cavity of the ab- 
domen, and is called abdominal pregnancy ; and it has been 
found in the muscular tissue of the womb itself, and has 
been called interstitial pregnancy. The general term extra- 
uterine pregnancy is applied to any or all of these abnor- 
mal conditions. Such cases are rare, and when they occur 
the growth is usually arrested at an early period ; and the 
ovum is decomposed and disappears by absorption, or re- 
mains encysted in the body of the mother. 

We sometimes find fleshy growths of various kinds 
within the cavity of the womb, more or less simulating 
9 



130 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

pregnancy, and hence denominated false pregnancy. These 
are called moles. They are without form or comeliness, 
attain various sizes, remain in the womb for variable 
periods, and have many peculiarities, which we cannot find 
space to describe in this work. Let us, therefore, pass at 
once to consider the more profitable and interesting theme 
of natural pregnancy. Connected with this theme there 
are many phenomena, which we shall point out vith as 
much brevity as may be consistent with clearness and a 
general knowledge of the subject. 

With the exception of the period of menstruation, the 
healthy non-gravid womb is perfectly quiescent, and has 
little influence in the animal economy ; but when fecunda- 
tion takes place, even before the vitalized ovum is lodged 
in the cavity of the womb — if fecundation takes place in 
the fallopian tube — a new action commences. It no longer 
remains in a state of rest, but has important duties to per- 
form ; and its vital force and nutritive elements are greatly 
increased ; and the results of such increased action, are the 
growth of the organ itself, and the nutrition and develop- 
ment of the foetus and the other contents of the womb 
subservient to its intra-uterine existence. 

In its unimpregnated state, the cavity of the womb is 
little larger than a split almond * but at full term it has 
so enormously increased, that it contains a foetus weighing 
eight or nine pounds, the after-birth, weighing two or 
three pounds, and one or two quarts of the liquor amnii. 
At the fourth month the womb rises out of the pelvis, and 
the female begins to realize that she is becoming larger ; 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 131 

about the sixth month it rises above the umbilicus, which 
no longer remains sunken, but like the nipple, now becomes 
prominent ; about the eighth month it rises into the epi- 
gastric region, and by pressing the stomach and a portion 
of the large intestines upwards against the diaphragm, in- 
terferes, more or less, with respiration. But two or three 
weeks before labor commences, it sinks down into the 
pelvis, relieving the difficult breathing, and causing the 
upper portion of the tumor to become flatter. As this 
growth and change of position takes place, the intestines 
are crowded behind the organ. 

This enlargement of the uterus commences in its fundus ; 
next, its body begins to enlarge; and about the sixth 
month the neck begins to shorten, and at the full term, has 
entirely disappeared in the lateral expansion of the organ. 

The older physicians taught the doctrine — and those not 
iead in medicine have a vague idea of the kind at the pre- 
sent day — that the enlargement of the uterine cavity de- 
pends upon the pressure of the foetus, after-birth, and 
bay of waters upon the internal surface of the uterine 
walls ; in short, that it was a mechanical process, the parts 
being stretched out by pressure* as you would stretch out 
an india-rubber bag. But if this view were correct, the 
walls of the uterus would become attenuated as the cavity 
enlarged, and at full term they could not be thicker than 
the membrane which lines them, which is very far from 
being the fact; indeed, they become thicker during the 
4irst six months of gestation. After this time it has been 
proved that they diminish somewhat in thickness, but at 



132 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

full term, though not of uniform thickness, the average 
thickness is about the same as the unimpregnated uterus. 
These facts prove that the organ actually grows in tissue 
and bulk as really as the foetus itself grows. The actual 
bulk of the womb is, therefore, about twenty-four times 
as large at the end of pregnancy as it is before pregnancy 
takes place. But the medical man should bear in mind 
that the enlargement of the uterus is not the only change 
it undergoes ; its parietes become soft and pulpy, so that 
when the hand is introduced into the womb for obstetrical 
purposes, if the finger should be projected against the 
walls during a pain, it might be thrust through them. 
This softening seems to depend, in a great measure, upon 
the great enlargement, which takes place in the caliber of 
the blood-vessels ; for these vessels, which before were no 
larger than a fine needle, are now as large as a crow's quill. 
Indeed, every tissue of the organ is enlarged, the mus- 
cular structure, the blood-vessels, the nerves, the mucous 
membrane lining the cavity, and the serous membrane or 
peritoneum lining it upon the outside; but its actual 
growth consists, in a great measure, in the increased 
amount of muscular fibre? furnished the organ during the 
progress of gestation. The appendages of the uterus, 
such as the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the ligaments, 
and the vagina are also enlarged, though not in the same 
proportion as the uterus. And the vagina, and external 
organs of generation, undergo great softening towards 
the latter part of gestation, to prepare the way for the 
safe passage of the child into the world. 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 133 

Let us now notice the appendages of the fetus. These 
consist of the membranes, the liquor amnii, the placenta, 
and the umbilical cord. There are three original mem- 
branes, viz., the membrana decidua, the chorion, and the 
amnion; the first belonging to the womb, and the last 
two to the ovum. Very soon after fecundation the surface 
of the membrane lining the cavity of the uterus becomes 
thickened, soft, and pulpy, and in due time is separated 
from the uterus, and at birth expelled with the other ap- 
pendages; hence the name decidua, to throw off. This 
membrane, is studded with minute tubes, which become 
thickened and pour out a fluid into the cavity of tho 
womb, and subsequently form a part of the placenta. Into 
this rough, pulpy surface, the ovum becomes entangled, or 
is fixed, whence its development commences, and another 
membrane, supposed to be derived or reflected from the 
first, grows up around the ovum and continues its growth 
till it forms a complete covering for it. This is called the 
decidua reflexa, the first being called the decidua vera, 
and as the ovum increases in development they approach 
nearer each other, and about the end of the third month 
they are entirely blended together, forming two layers of 
one membrane. 

The chorion is a very thin, transparent membrane, form- 
ing one of the constituents of the ovum very soon after it 
is fecundated. When lodged in the womb there is pre*- 
duced upon its outer surface very minute prolongations, 
down-like in their appearance, called villi or tufts. These 
villi absorb the nutrient elements of the fluid poured out 



154 TUB SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

by the membrane first described, which is the source of 
nutrition for the embryo iill the placenta is formed. 

The amnion is the very delicate internal membrane of 
the ovum, slightly adhering to the chorion by means of 
some mucous filaments upon its outer surface. The in- 
ternal surface is separated from the embryo by means of 
the liquor amnii. Now all these membranes during the 
progress of gestation adhere to each other, form so 
many layers of one membrane, called the membranous 
sack, and a complete investment for the foetus. This 
sack, together with the liquor amnii furnished by the am- 
niotic membrane is commonly spoken of in the lying-in 
chamber as the bay of waters. The quantity of this fluid 
at the time of child-birth, is subject to great variations. 
Sometimes the rupture of the sack during labor gives rise 
to a very slight discharge of fluid, and for that reason the 
labor is sometimes spoken of as a dry labor. At other 
times, there will pass from the uterus two or three quarts 
of fluid, causing needless alarm for the safety of the 
patient. 

The uses of the liquor amnii are obvious and important. 
The foetus not lying in contact with the walls of the uterus, 
but actually floating in the fluid, is unaffected by the slight 
concussions of the womb, arising from exercise and such 
slight accidents as the female is constantly exposed to. 
If the foetus lay in contact with the womb, the slightest 
concussions would be sufficient to produce its death and 
expulsion. Another use of the liquor amnii, seems to be 
to prevent the adhesion of parts of the foetus, which are 



PREGNANCY OK GESTATION. 135 

designed by nature to remain separate after birth. In 
uterine life, the thighs are flexed upon the abdomen, the 
legs upon the thighs, the chin upon the breast, and the 
arms are folded across the body ; without a lubricating 
fluid, therefore, interposed between those parts till birth, 
they would certainly adhere, or grow together. It also 
prevents the cord from pressure, allows the natural move- 
ments of the foetus in the womb, and greatly facilitates 
labor by aiding in the dilatation of the parts through which 
the child must pass. In short, it is indispensable to the 
development and existence of the foetus. 

The placenta and umbilical cord — the only mode of com- 
munication between the mother and the foetus— now claims 
our attention. The word placenta signifies a cake, and it 
has the resemblance of a flat, spongy cake. It varies 
greatly in size, but on an average is about six inches in 
diameter, and one inch thick at the centre, gradually 
diminishing in thickness towards the circumference. Its 
general form is round and flat. Now let us consider how 
it is developed. When describing the membranes, we 
stated that the membrana decidua was tubular, and that 
these tubes poured out a fluid into the cavity of the uterus 
for the nutrition of the ovum till the formation of the pla- 
centa, and that upon the outside of the chorion there were 
formed very small projections called villi or tufts, which 
acted as absorbents in taking up the fluid. There are, 
therefore, two distinct portions of the placenta ; the one 
formed from the decidua, called the maternal, and the 
other from the chorion, called the foetal portion. As the 



136 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

development goes on, the blood-vessels of the maternal 
portion are enlarged, and form sinuses or canals, which 
communicate with the arteries of the uterus. The villous 
tufts of the foetal portion of the placenta are at the same 
time furnished with blood-vessels, but very different from 
the others. They consist of capillary loops having no 
open mouths, and, therefore, no direct communication with 
the blood-vessels on the maternal side. These little loops 
are made to dip down, as it were, into the sinuses of the 
maternal part of the placenta, and the delicate membrane 
forming the walls of the sinuses extends over them, and 
around and between them, thus entangling them in their 
meshes, and holding these two portions of the placenta in 
close contact. Thus the placenta is formed, about the 
end of the second month. And the umbilical cord is the 
direct channel of communication between it and the foetus. 
One of its extremities is attached to the placenta, usually 
near its centre, and the other at the navel of the child. It 
has two arteries and one vein, and a membranous covering 
derived from the amnion and chorion. As a general rule, 
it is nearly as large as the little finger, and its average 
length is fifteen or twenty inches, subject, however, to 
great variations, being sometimes only six or eight inches, 
and at other times three or four feet long. 

Let us now notice the appearance of the ovum at different 
stages of its embryonic and foetal development, and then 
inquire how its nourishment is derived from the mother 
through the medium of the placenta. 

If we lay open the uterus of a female who has died 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 137 

about fourteen days after fecundation, we shall find a 
vesicle about as large as a pea, containing a thick fluid, in 
the midst of which will be seen a small opaque spot. This 
is the ovum surrounded by the chorion and amnion. But 
if we make the examination at about twenty-one days, we 
shall no longer find the embryo in the form of a vesicle, but 
it will be elongated, and in its general outline, will resemble 
a large ant. It is now about one-third of an inch long and 
weighs three or four grains. At this period, cartilage, 
which subsequently becomes bone, is said to commence 
forming. 

At the end of a month, the embryo is about one inch 
long and resembles a worm bent into three-quarters of 
a circle. The head is much larger than the body, and 
a fitint outline of organs can be discovered. At one month 
ajid a half, the eyes, mouth, and nose are strongly marked, 
and the fingers and toes begin to form ; and at two months 
the nose becomes prominent, the external ear begins to 
form, the heart and brain are seen to be partially devel- 
oped, and the sexual organs may be discovered. At this 
period it is about two inches and a half long. 

At three months the general outline of the embryo is 
well defined. The heart is formed, and beats with con- 
siderable force, and red blood courses its way through the 
fetal vessels. The sexual organs are now prominent, and 
the embryo is about four inches long and weighs two or 
three ounces. 

At the expiration of the fourth month, an important 
Aange takes place in the foetus. The muscular system ia 



138 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM, 

now sufficiently developed to enable it to execute some 
slight movements in the womb. This is called quickening ; 
the mother feels the motions of the child, which give the 
sensation of fluttering in the womb. They are sometimes 
felt a little earlier, and at other times later than four 
months, but they usually become so strong during the fifth 
month that they can no longer be doubted by the mother. 
During the fourth and fifth months, the head and liver, 
which had become enormously developed, as compared with 
other parts of the body, are held in check somewhat, to 
allow other parts to receive greater proportional develop- 
ment. At the end of the fifth month the length of the 
foetus is eight or ten inches, and its weight is one pound or 
a little more. 

During the sixth and seventh months, the hair appe%rs 
upon the head, the nails are formed, the testicles descend 
into the scrotum, the bones are well formed, and the fea- 
tures are well developed ; and if born at the commence- 
ment of the seventh month it can breathe, and cry, and 
nurse, and by proper attendance may survive and become 
a sprightly child. At this time it is twelve or fourteen 
inches long, and weighs two and a half or three pounds. 

During the next two months the foetus grows in strength 
and volume ; the form of every part is more fully per- 
fected ; the motions of the child become lively and brisk ; 
the heart pulsates with greater force and circulates the 
blood, which has now become rich and abundant ; the in- 
testines contract slightly upon the meconium causing a 
portion of it to escape into the bay of waters ; and at thfe 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 139 

end of nine months, or, more accurately, forty weeks — the 
natural term of gestation — it is, on an average, about 
eighteen or twenty inches long and weighs from seven and 
a half to eight and a half pounds. The child is now 
sensitive to pain, and it cries from cold and hunger, or a 
crammed and overdistended stomach, and from the painful 
thrusts of those sharp-pointed instruments so commonly 
employed to fasten its dress. But, though sensitive to 
pain, its intellectual faculties are greatly in abeyance, and 
are to be developed gradually, but slowly, as it advances 
towards adult life. When the child is born into the world 
it appears more like some strange abnormal vegetable pro* 
duction than a human being, destined to possess all the 
reason, affection, and capabilities of a grown-up man or 
woman. At that time, and for some time afterwards, it has 
far less intellectual activity than almost any quadruped when 
born into the world, and consequently it is more dependent 
upon others for its sustenance and continued existence. 

This running description of the appearance of the foetus 
at different stages, of its development must suffice. Let us 
now inquire how the foetus is nourished, for every growing 
thing, and, indeed, every living thing, must receive nu- 
trient materials from some source. "We have already 
more than intimated that the growing foetus derives its 
nourishment from the mother, through the medium of the 
placenta, but when describing the formation of the pla- 
centa, we stated that there was no continuity between the 
blood-vessels on the foetal side and those upon the ma- 
ternal side. We stated that the capillary vessels upon the 



140 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

foetal side passed around the villous tufts in the form of 
loops, and that those loops dipped down into the blood- 
vessels, called sinuses or canals, upon the other side, and it 
has been proved, almost times without number, both by 
microscopic examinations and injections, that this is the 
true arrangement. If we take a placenta and macerate it 
in water for a sufficient time, all its spungy portion will be 
separated from its vessels. We shall then discover a con- 
geries of innumerable vessels, one portion of which commu- 
nicates with the vessels of the umbilical cord, and the 
other portion with the vessels of the womb ; and we can 
clearly demonstrate that these two forms of vessels have 
no communication with each other. Again, we can inject 
a fluid info* the umbilical cord, and completely fill the 
vessels belonging to the foetal portion of the placenta, but 
not one drop of the injection will pass over into the ves- 
sels belonging to the maternal portion. We can also fill 
the blood-vessels in the maternal portion of the placenta 
by injecting the arterial system of the mother, who dies 
towards the end of gestation, but not one. particle will pass 
into the blood-vessels on the foetal side. How then can 
the foetus receive its nourishment from the mother through 
the medium of the placenta? The following is the ex- 
planation : — 

1. The placenta is the foetal lungs ; in other words, the 
blood is purified in the placenta, as it is purified in the 
lungs of breathing animals. The lungs of tHe foetus before 
birth have no function to perform, and* no blood passes to 
them, except the slight amount necessary for their growth 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 141 

and development. But when the child becomes a breath- 
ing animal, all the blood goes to the lungs to be purified. 
In its round of circulation, it gives, up its nutrient mate- 
rials for tjie growth and repair of the system, and takes up 
the disintegrated, or waste material of the system, which 
it parts with in the lungs in the form of carbonic add gas, 
and at the same time receives its necessary supply of 
oxygen. But the blood does not come in contact with the 
air, there being a delicate membrane interposed, through 
which this important process is constantly taking place. 
If we take a fresh animal membrane, and place it between 
two fluids of unequal density, or of different properties, 
there will be an interchange of the fluids through the mem- 
brane till they become thoroughly mixed. This process is 
constantly going on in the animal system, and is designated 
by the terms endosmose and eccosmose, the former meaning 
the passage of fluids from without inwards, and the latter, 
from within outwards. The same process is at work in the 
placenta. The capillary loops of the villous tufts being pro- 
jected and bound into the sinuses of the placenta, as we 
have explained, they ate constantly bathed in the blood of 
the mother. The blood of the foetus being deprived of its 
oxygen in the foetal system, and charged with carbon, 
courses through the arteries of the umbilical cord and is 
spread over the whole extent of the foetal portion of the 
placenta, and passes through all the capillary loops, giving 
up its carbonic acid gas and receiving oxygen from the 
blood of the mother, through the delicate membrane form- 
ing the walls of these capillary vessels, and it is then re- 



142 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

turned through the umbilical vein to the foetus for its 
nutrition and growth. By this process the reader will 
perceive that the blood of the mother in the maternal 
portion of the placenta becomes impure; but this passes on 
to mingle with impure blood from every other part of the 
mother's system, and goes to her lungs to be renovated, 
while its place is being supplied with the rich, fresh pabulum. 
But in breathing animals, we have the digestive system ; 
food is provided in abundance, the nutritive elements of 
which are converted into blood, thus keeping up the neces- 
sary supply of the blood pabulum. So the foetus must be 
supplied with blood material from some source. What is 
this material, and how is it furnished ? It was once sup- 
posed that it was furnished by the liquor amnii ; and as 
this fluid contains albumen and salts, which are nutritive 
elements, it is quite probable that some portion of the 
blood material is derived from that source of absorption. 
But the principal, if not the entire supply, is derived from 
the mother through the placenta. This substance is not 
albumen, as was once supposed, for it has been proved 
that albumen cannot pass through animal membranes ; but 
there is a nutritive substance found in the blooiof preg- 
nant women, which does have the power of percolating 
membranous tissues. This is called aTbuminose, and it is 
this which passes from the mother to the foetus, through 
the only medium of communication, the placenta. Here 
then we have an abundant supply of blood pabulum for 
the foetus. The reader will, therefore, perceive that the 
placenta has a double office to perform, that of the foetal 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 143 

iungs, and that of furnishing the foetus with blood material, 
the albuminose. 

Connected with this explanation, there is a practical 
suggestion, which it would be improper to withhold from 
our readers. The transmission of various constitutional 
diseases from the parent to the offspring, is one of the 
most uniform and common occurrences in nature. If the 
father or the mother, is tainted with such diseases as 
scrofula, phthisis, syphilis, etc., they will exist in the 
spermatozoa or ovum, which are a part of their own bodies, 
and they will be developed in the foetus and in the future 
child, sometimes held in check, it is true, by various coun- 
ter-acting circumstances. This everybody understands. 
But our knowledge of the functions of the placenta carries 
us one step further. It teaches us that the diseases of the 
father in the spermatozoa, may be transmitted to the mo- 
ther through the medium of the placenta, and that the 
mother may afterwards transmit the same disease to the 
offspring of a second husband. And this accords with the 
most diligent inquiry, and the most careful observations of 
the best medical authorities. Every physician, of large 
practice, will be called upon to treat cases of syphilitic 
eontaniination*that can be traced to no other source. There 
is nothing unreasonable in this doctrine ; for if the excre- 
mentitious and waste material of the foetus passes through 
the placenta into the system of the mother, any diseased 
element existing in the foetus, however subtle and unde- 
finable, may be transmitted to the mother through the 
same medium, and impress itself upon her system. 



144 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

But there are other things in nature, still more subtle 
and mysterious, that are, perhaps, explicable upon the 
same theory. When a woman has had two husbands, and 
children by both, the second children are very apt to re- 
semble, more or less, the first husband. His features and 
even peculiarities of disposition, are sometimes entailed 
upon the second children. Now, the explanation is this : 
The characteristics of the first husband were impressed 
upon the mother's system through the foetus in utero, and 
transmitted from the mother to the children by her second 
husband. As an illustration of this doctrine, we may men- 
tion the well known fact, as given us by horse breeders, 
that if a mare is covered by a' jack, and has a mule, and 
afterwards has colts by a stallion, the latter will always be 
a little mulish in their disposition. Now all such cases 
have heretofore been attributed to the imagination, but 
we think the doctrine of transmission more in accordance 
with reason, though imagination will sometimes accom- 
plish wonderful things. 

The duration of pregnancy is a question of no trifling 
import, often involving the honor and happiness of fami- 
lies and individuals. The popular notion seems to be, that 
a woman carries her child nine calendar months ; and this 
has been indorsed by the profession as a sort of general 
calculation. But it is not intended to be accurate. In- 
deed, it expresses no definite length of time, as some 
months are shorter than others. If you include February 
in your calculations, whether you begin with that month 
or end with it. you will have three months of thirty days 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. . 145 

each, one of twenty-eight days, and the other five thirty- 
one days each, making two hundred and seventy-three 
days in the nine calendar months. But if you commence 
with March, you will have four months of thirty days each, 
and nine months will contain two hundred and seventy-five 
days. But if you commence so as to have but three short 
months, leaving out February, you will have two hundred 
and seventy-six days, which is the greatest number of days 
you can get in nine calendar months. 

This reckoning is not only indefinite, but by a general 
agreement of the most distinguished accoucheurs in this 
and other countries, it is a little too short. The time "has, 
therefore, been more accurately fixed at forty weeks, or 
two hundred and eighty days. This is ten lunar months, 
each embracing a period of about twenty-eight days. When 
discussing the question of menstruation, we stated that the 
menstrual period did not appear every calendar month, 
but every lunar month, or about once every twenty- eight 
days. Labor, therefore, commences at the time when 
menstruation would take place were the woman not preg- 
nant, which general law we have always advocated. 

But- is forty weeks, or two hundred and eighty days, a 
universal and unchanging law, or does it admit of excep- 
tions? May a fully developed foetus be born into the 
world before that period, or may the birth be protracted 
beyond it, and if so, how long ? If a woman give birth to 
a child two or three weeks before the expiration of forty 
weeks since her marriage, does it make the offspring ille- 
gitimate? or if a man be absent from his wife and she 
10 



146 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

should have a child two hundred and ninety, or three hun- 
dred days, from the time she was first with her husband, 
is that positive proof that she is an adulteress, and her 
child a bastard ? The reader will perceive that these are 
grave questions. They often find their way into our courts 
of justice, and in their legal and moral aspects, they are 
the proper subjects of investigation by the lawyers ; but 
the medical question must be. decided by the doctors ; and, 
for this purpose, their testimony is always required. 

Upon this question the profession was once divided in 
opinion, some distinguished accoucheurs maintaining that 
the term of gestation is a fixed law, not liable to any mate- 
rial variations ; while others, equally distinguished, took 
the other side of the question. In Taylor's Medical Juris- 
prudence, we find an account of a celebrated case called the 
Gardner Peerage Case, which came before the House of 
Lords, in 1825. Allen Legge Gardner, claimed the peer- 
age on the ground of being the son of Lord Gardner, by 
his second wife. But the peerage was also claimed by 
another person, Henry Fenton Jadis, who alleged that 
he was the son of Lord Gardner by his first wife. Now, 
Lord Gardner was separated from his first wife, and in 
another country, and it was clearly shown that if this 
Henry Fenton Jadis was his son, he must have been be- 
gotten three hundred and eleven days before his birth. 
Distinguished accoucheurs were summoned to testify, as to 
the time that a woman might cany her child, and the fol- 
lowing was the opinion of the illustrious Sir Charles-Clarke : 
"I have never seen a single instance in which the laws of 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 147 

nature have been changed, believing the law of nature to 
be, that parturition should take place forty weeks after 
conception." The testimony of Dr. Gooch, and three 
others, was to the same effect. But on the other side of 
the question we find eleven physicians, equally eminent, 
testifying to the variableness of the term of gestation in 
language of no doubtful import. The decision of the House 
was against this Henry Fenton Jadis, but chiefly upon 
moral grounds, as it was shown, that during the absence 
of Lord Gardner, Lady Gardner was living in open adultery 
with a man by the name of Jadis, who was doubtless the 
real rather of this claimant of the peerage. 

The following case, which occurred in the practice of 
Desonneaux, of Paris, may be of interest to our readers. 

* ' A lady, the mother of three children, became deranged 
after a severe fever. Her physician was of opinion that 
pregnancy might have a beneficial effect on the mental 
disease, and permitted her husband to visit her ; but with 
the restriction that there should be an interval of three 
months between each visit, in order that, if conception 
took place, the risk of abortion, from further intercourse, 
might be avoided. The physician and attendants made an 
exact note of the time of the husband's visits. As soon 
as evidences of pregnancy began to exhibit themselves, the 
visits were discontinued. The lady was closely watched 
during the whole period by her female attendants. She 
was delivered at the end of nine calendar months and a 
fortnight, and Desonneaux attended her. If the nine 
calendar months were those of the smallest number of 



148 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

days they would have equalled 273, in addition to which 
must be taken into the account the days of the fortnight, 
which will make 287 days ; but if the calendar months 
were of the longest period, there would be 276, to which 
are to be added 14, giving an aggregate of 290 days." 

That the duration of pregnancy in the human female 
admits of considerable variation is confirmed by observa- 
tions upon the lower animals. The usual term of gesta- 
tion in the cow, is from forty to forty-one weeks. Out of 
1059 cases carefully noted by one investigator, the ex- 
tremes were thirty-eight and fifty-one weeks, 12 having 
calved on the thirty-eighth, and 1 on the fifty-first week, 
the greatest number being on the fortieth and forty-first 
weeks. The usual term of gestation in the mare is from 
the forty-ninth to the fiftieth week ; and in 447 cases, care- 
fully noted, it was found that about the same variations 
exist as have been observed in the cow. The same varia- 
tions are observed in sheep, rabbits, dogs, cats, and other 
animals. The same thing is observed in birds, some of 
the eggs hatching a day or two before others. 

Without going into this subject more in detail, for the 
want of space, we will here state that our own observation, 
and all the information we have been able to gather upon 
this interesting subject long since led us to the conclusion 
that the period of gestation might vary a lunar month 
either way from the usual time. But it should be re- 
membered that such extremes are exceedingly rare, ar>.d 
not to be looked for as common occurrences. It is well- 
known, however, that first children very often anticipate 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 



149 



the usual time one or two weeks, and sometimes much 
longer. 

Dr. James Reid has carefully noted forty-three cases, 
which, after he had exhausted every available means of 
investigation, he believed to result, in each case, from a sin- 
gle coition, and he makes the variations from the general 
time, twenty days either way. The following is his table : — 

260 days after single coition delivery occurred in I 



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271 " " " 


u ■ y u "2 


272 " " 


u ii ' 3 


273 " u " 


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ii ii j 



150 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

We will now pass to consider another part of our subject, 
viz : the signs or evidences of pregnancy. Does pregnancy 
exist ? This is often a question of great practical impor- 
tance. The patient and her friends are usually able to 
decide this question for themselves, with more or less 
certainty, as the signs appear during the' progress of gesta- 
tion ; but every now and then cases will arise, especially 
during the first months of pregnancy, the decision of which 
is exceedingly difficult, owing to the absence or obscurity 
of some of the usual signs, or an attempt to practice de- 
ception as to the true condition of the female. In such 
cases the best medical skill will be necessary to decide the 
question correctly. Some of these cases may involve in- 
terests of no trifling moment, and the opinion of the medi- 
cal man may be required by the patient herself, by her 
friends, or by a court of justice, and upon his decision may 
depend virtue, honor, the reputation and happiness of 
families, and the disposition of property. 

Without attempting to notice all the changes which take 
place in the condition of the female during gestation, we 
invite attention to the most prominent as signs or evi- 
dences of that condition ; and first in order we will notice 

The Cessation of the Menses. — As a general rule, 
when a woman conceives, she ceases to menstruate, and if 
she is living with her husband, and is not a* the time 
nursing, and she passes ever her menstrual period without 
the loss of blood, she at once infers that she is in a family- 
way, or thinks she has been caught, and makes her calcu- 
lations accordingly. But the physician places less reliance 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 151 

tipon this symptom, as it is subject to great variations. 
Young women, before menstruating, have been known to 
conceive ; nursing women often conceive before their menses 
return ; and a woman may possibly conceive late in life, 
after her menstrual function has entirely disappeared. 
Cases of the latter kind are very rare, it is true, but it is 
well enough to know that they exist. Now the above cases 
can have no connection with the menstrual function as a 
sign of pregnancy. 

It should also be remembefeU, that, in the newly married 
woman, the menses will occasionally be arrested, for one or 
two months, when conception has not taken place, as the 
result of the new relation of the female. 
. There is a general opinion that, as a rule, woman does 
not become pregnant while she nurses her child ; but this 
rule is subject to so many exceptions that it can hardly be 
called a rule, for it is a very common thing for nursing 
women to conceive before their menses return, and hence 
the menstrual function can be no sign of pregnancy in such 
cases. 

Occasionally a woman will be found, who menstruates 
after conception has taken place ; it may go on for three or 
four months and then cease, or it may continue till full 
term of pregnancy. To some, this will seem impossible, 
and the question will arise as to the source and character 
of the discharge. Is it true menstruation ? This question 
we cannot discuss here. It is sufficient to state that it so 
closely resembles menstruation in its periodical returns, its 
duration, quantity, and appearance, that not only the 



152 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

patient, but her medical adviser, is completely baffled in 
attempting to find a difference. 

But the principal reason why the cessation of menstrua- 
tion is an uncertain sign of pregnancy, is the f^ct, that the 
suppression of this function often depends upon other 
causes. Almost every woman knows, that exposure to 
cold, and wet, just before the menstrual period, or while 
her menses are upon her, is one of the most frequent causes 
of suppression. Various diseases, hardships, and fatigue ; 
also strong mental emotions, will produce the same result. 
In short, one of the most common complaints among 
females is the suppression of the menses depending upon 
some of these causes. 

What, then, is the value of this sign? It is of some 
value in two ways: 1. If a woman is living with her hus- 
band, and in a condition to become pregnant, and is usually 
regular in her monthly turns ; if these conditions exist, and 
she pass over her monthly period without having her 
courses, and without being able to attribute the cessation 
to any other cause she will most probably find herself preg- 
nant. 2. It is of value in connection with other evidences 
of pregnancy, when we are called upon to form an opinion 
in doubtful and obscure cases. 

Morning Sickness.— This symptom usually appears in 
two or three weeks after conception, but it may appear 
almost immediately, and at other times it may be post- 
poned till the last months of pregnancy ; and it is some- 
times absent altogether. It is different, in some respects, 
from sick stomach arising from ordinary causes. When the 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 153 

female awakes in the morning, she may feel as well as 
usual, but on rising from her bed she experiences a qualm- 
ish sensation, and soon retching commences. This sick 
stomach is not necessarily connected with any other condi- 
tion of poor health, but in all other respects, the patient 
may enjoy perfect health ; she may take her meals with as 
much relish as before, but shortly after eject the whole 
contents of her stomach, and then brighten up, and appear 
as lively and well as ever. 

In such cases, there is no positive disease of the stomach, 
but a little irritability arising from the sympathy which 
exists between that organ and the womb, and we should 
not forget to mention, that any organic disease of the 
womb and suppression of the menses from any causes 
whatsoever, may be followed by irritability of the stomach, 
though different in some respects from that of pregnancy. 

This morning sickness cannot, therefore, be looked upon 
as a positive sign of pregnancy, as it is sometimes ab- 
sent altogether, and at other times may be simulated by 
other causes; but when it exists, it is a most valuable 
sign in connection with others. If a woman has been in a 
condition to become pregnant, and her menses have been 
suspended, which she is unable to account for in any other 
way, and she has the morning sickness, which is persistent, 
she may make up her mind that she is in a family-way, 
and the chances are, as one hundred to bne, that she will 
not be disappointed. 

Changes in the Breasts.— About the end of the 
second month of pregnancy, changes usually commence in 



154 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

the breasts, which, in connection with other evidences of 
gestation, are of great value. A sensation of throbbing, 
and tingling, and undue fullness of the parts, is experienced 
by the female. The parts feel as though they were put 
upon the stretch, and they gradually become fuller and 
firmer ; the nipple becomes more prominent, and the veins 
coursing along the breasts become distended, and as the 
pregnancy proceeds, the mammary glands assume their 
function as secreters of milk. But this last sign does not 
usually appear till the last months of gestation, though it 
may appear much earlier, and cases are on record of milk 
being found in the breasts of virgins, the action of the 
mammary being excited by the application of a child to 
the nipple ; and, strange as it may appear, a few cases are 
recorded of men giving suck from the same cause. But 
the period of these changes are subject to great variations, 
sometimes appearing very early, at other times at a much 
later period ; and in women of very delicate constitutions 
we sometimes find no perceptible enlargement of the 
breasts and ■ no secretion of milk up to the full time of 
pregnancy. It should also be remembered, that causes en- 
tirely independent of pregnancy will sometimes produce 
the changes we have named. It is quite common for 
women to suffer from tension of the breasts, at the time 
of the monthly turns, and also as the result of the sup- 
pression of the menses, and various diseases of the womb. 
But the change which takes place in the condition of 
the areola is a more valuable sign of pregnancy. By the 
areola we mean that circle, which immediately surroundi 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 155 

the nipple, and which is of a different color from any other 
part of the breast. It is about an inch in diameter, and 
it is extended, somewhat, as pregnancy advances, till it is 
about an inch and a half in diameter. In the healthy 
virgin the color of this circle resembles the hue of the 
rose, but begins to change towards the last .part of the 
second month, and gradually assumes a darker shade till it 
is a sort of yellowish brown color, varying greatly accord- 
ing to the complexion of the individual. But the change in 
color is not the most essential thing about the areola. 
About the same time the glandular follicles become more 
prominent. There are from twelve to twenty of these 
little spots around the nipple, and they become elevated 
from one-sixteenth to o*ie-eighth of an inch, rendering the 
surface of the areola quite uneven. The nipple also par- 
takes in this change, and becomes puffy and more promi- 
nent. These changes in the areola and nipple usually 
begin, as we have said, towards the end of the second 
month, but sometimes much earlier, and are completed in 
three or four months. 

Now these changes in the areola may not always be well 
marked, for women of feeble constitutions have been 
known to pass through the whole period of gestation with- 
out any enlargement or noteworthy changes in the breasts ; 
but this must be regarded as a rare exception, and when 
we discover the puffy and prominent condition of the 
nipple, and the enlargement and prominent condition of 
the little follicles around the nipple, even though we can- 
not so clearly make out the change of color in the parts, it 



156 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

must be regarded as a positive sign of pregnancy. The 
very best observers are agreed that this condition can be 
produced by no other cause. 

Quickening is a term which designates that period of 
gestation when the mother becomes sensible, from the 
movements of the foetus, that she carries a living being in 
her own body. The ancients held very absurd views upon 
this subject. They supposed that at the moment of quick- 
ening, the soul was imparted to the fcetus, and that it be- 
came a living soul, whereas, before that moment it must 
have been an animate mass without a soul. As late as the 
first part of the present century, laws were founded upon 
this distinction. In England a law was enacted in 1803, 
making it felony to destroy the foetus before, but death to 
destroy it, after quickening. But all such notions are now 
abandoned, and the profession is settled in the opinion 
that quickening is simply the movements of the foetus in 
the womb. These movements take place when the foetus 
is sufficiently developed to produce them. 

The first time the motion of the child is felt, the sensa- 
tion is peculiar, having been compared to the fluttering of 
a bird within the body of the mother ; and it comes so sud- 
denly, that she frequently faints, and sometimes goes off 
into hysterical convulsions. A day or two may pass before 
another motion occurs. As pregnancy advances they be- 
come more frequent, and increase in strength, till they are 
fully established, and fully recognized as the movements 
of the foetus. 

Quickening usually takes place about the end of the 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 157 

fourth month of gestation, but it may occur as early as the 
third, and may be postponed as late as the sixth month ; 
and the mother may possibly pass the whole period of 
gestation without once being sensible of the movements of 
the child. The last, however, is almost too rare to be men- 
tioned, but few such cases being on record. 

It should also be borne in mind that women have labored 
under the fantasm of imagining that they felt the motions 
of the child when no child was in the womb. In such 
cases there is apt to be some enlargement of the abdomen 
from abnormal growths, dropsical effusions, or flatulence. 
They really think they feel the movements of the child in 
the womb, and they are sometimes so confirmed in the 
opinion, that they cannot be convinced to the contrary till 
time reveals the fantasia. This unreal sensation is usually 
coupled with a strong desire for children. Queen Mary, of 
England, is a striking example. So confident was she that 
she felt the movements of the foetus in utero, that a public 
proclamation was made of the anticipated heir apparent, 
and her people rejoiced, and oblations were offered in cele- 
bration of the coming event ; but it all turned out to be 
wind and water ! 

What, then, is the value of quickening as a sign of preg- 
nancy ? We regard it as one of the most positive signs, for 
it settles all doubt as to the condition of the female, when 
distinctly recognized. For instance, when a woman of 
sound mind, who has borne children before, and is familiar 
with the sensation of quickening, first feels the motion of 
the child in her womb, all doubts, if any before existed, as 



158 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

to her true condition, are now removed, and she is certain 
that she is with child. When, however, a woman is preg- 
nant for the first time, she may not be fully satisfied as to 
the character of her first sensations ; but if they become 
stronger and stronger, till they are fully and distinctly 
recognized, she will know, if she be a sensible woman, that 
she has within her womb a living foetus. Again : if the 
physician places his hand upon the abdomen of his patient, 
and provokes the action of the child, he is no longer in 
doubt as to the existence of pregnancy ; for such sensationg 
as the motions of the child communicate to the hand can 
be produced by no other condition. Quickening is, there- 
fore, a most valuable sign of pregnancy. 

All the evidences of pregnancy now considered, come 
within the scope of the consciousness and observation of 
the female herself, and are usually sufficient to enable her 
to decide the question of pregnancy for herself. But cases 
of a very obscure and doubtful character will now and then 
occur, especially in the primiparae, or first cases, causing 
the female and her friends great anxiety, and requiring the 
aid of medical art to decide them with any degree of cer- 
tainty. In such cases the physician must have recourse to 
other evidences, which for the most part are hidden from 
the patient . herself, and, for that reason, maybe denomi- 
nated, 

Hidden Signs of Pregnancy.— When a medical man 
is consulted in behalf of such a patient, he should first 
make a careful inquiry as to the usual, and conscious signs, 
such as we have already noticed, and endeavor to learn as 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 159 

much as possible from them. He should next make an 
external examination of the abdomen, to ascertain if there 
is any enlargement, and if so, upon what that enlargement 
depends. Does it depend upon tumors growing within the 
womb, or within the abdomen upon the outside of thewomb, 
or enlargement of one of the ovaries, or dropsy of the abdo- 
men, or suppression of the menses, or any other abnormal 
and diseased condition of the parts ? or is the enlargement 
the result of pregnancy? In making this discrimination, 
the general health of the patient is a matter of the first 
importance. For in all enlargements depending upon 
some diseased condition, the general health suffers in a 
greater or less degree. The form and growth of the en- 
largement depending upon any diseased causes, differ very 
materially from that of pregnancy. By having the patient 
lay upon her back, with her knees drawn up, and her head 
and shoulders elevated, the general outline of the enlarge- 
ment can be distinctly felt by the hands, and its form will 
enable the accoucheur to decide whether it be the result 
of pregnancy, or other cause. 

Again ; an Enlargement produced by a fibrous tumor or 
polypus within the womb, will give rise to bleeding, which 
will be more or less periodical, occurring the most profusely 
at the menstrual period. If depending upon hydatids, in 
addition to the discharge of blood there will usually be a 
periodical discharge of water, and in both cases there will 
be more or less bearing-down pain. Cancer of the womb 
has its peculiar characteristics, enabling the medical man 
to form a correct diagnosis. Ovarian tumors or dropsy 



160 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

begin on one side of the abdomen where the ovary is situ- 
ated. Growths upon the outside of the womb can usually 
be moved about under the hand, as they are attached to 
the organ by a mere pedicle. Now all such tumors are 
slow and irregular in their growth, but the enlargement 
of the abdomen from pregnancy is rapid and uniform, 
having but nine months to complete the whole work. 

Ascites, or dropsy of the abdomen, has been mistaken 
for pregnancy, but a physician cannot well make such a 
blunder at the present day. He will find that there has 
been some previous derangement of the health of the 
patient, as the cause of the dropsical effusion. And fluc- 
tuation is an infallible symptom of dropsy of the abdomen. 
The physician lays the palm of his hand upon some part 
of the abdomen, and by tapping upon any other part with 
the fingers of the other hand, he will distinctly feel the 
fluctuations of the water against the abdominal walls, 
which settles the question as to the dropsy. Ascites may 
also be distinguished from ovarian dropsy, or other en- 
largements, by the general diffusion of the water over the 
abdominal cavity, and by its change of place upon changing 
the posture of the patient. 

Retention of the menses has been mistaken for preg- 
nancy. By retention, we do not mean suppression. In the 
former case the menstrual fluid is discharged from the 
mucous lining of the womb, but, instead of escaping ex- 
ternally, it is retained within the organ, which distends it 
so as to resemble pregnancy. This is the result of some 
obstruction in the neck of the womb, or an imperforate 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 161 

hymen entirely closing the external opening of the vagina. 
In the former case the skillful accoucheur introduces a 
probang into the womb and overcomes the obstruction; 
and in the latter case, a slight operation upon the hymen 
will allow the menstrual fluid to escape, curing the female 
of her supposed pregnancy. 

The accumulation of flatus, and foecal matter, in the in- 
testines, have led females to suspect themselves pregnant. 
But this cannot occur except in the most ignorant, stupid, 
filthy persons, and the only remedies are carminatives and 
brisk purges repeated twice or thrice if necessary. Cases 
are also on record of suspected pregnancy from the en- 
largement of the abdomen produced by the accumulation 
of flatus in the uterus itself, but such cases are so rare 
that they hardly deserve notice in a work of this descrip- 
tion. 

By an examination per vaginum, with the index finger, 
the physician learns much that is valuable. He notices 
the changes which the os and cervix of the womb undergo 
during pregnancy. At first the lips of the os uteri soften, 
and appear to elongate, and as pregnancy advances the 
neck begins to shorten and enlarge, and at full term it is 
entirely lost in the surrounding expansion of the womb. 
The shortening, however, does not commence till the fifth 
or sixth month. 

Again ; by placing the index finger against the anterior 
and lower part of the womb, with the female in the stand- 
ing posture, and making a sudden push against it, the 
foetus will receSe from that part of the womb and in a mo- 
ll 



1C2 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

merit or two fall back, communicating to the finger the re- 
bound sensation, which can be produced by no other con- 
dition of the uterus. This is an important sign of preg- 
nancy, called by the French halhtment, and by the English 
repercussion. It can usually be felt by the experienced 
accoucheur, as early as the fourth month. The reader 
will have no difficulty in understanding how this rebound 
takes place, if he bear in mind what we have already ex- 
plained, viz. , that the foetus is always surrounded by water 
in the cavity of the womb. 

The pulsations of the foetal heart are another unmis- 
takable sign of pregnancy. They can usually be heard 
from the fourth to the fifth month, sometimes much 
earlier ; and they increase in force as the pregnancy ad- 
vances. The accoucheur ascertains, as near as possible, 
how the foetus is situated in the womb, and then places his 
ear upon the abdomen of the female near the foetal heart, 
and listerias to its rapid, but faint, pulsations, and when he 
hears them, which he is usually able to do sooner or later, 
he knows there is a foetus in the womb ; he also knows 
that the foetus is alive ; and if there are twins he can 
usually determine the fact by listening for the pulsations 
of the two hearts. 

There are a few other insignificant signs of pregnancy, 
such as the 'placental souffle^ or uterine murmur ; the dis- 
coloration of the mucous membrane of the vagina ; the 
kiesteine sometimes found in the urine of pregnant 
women, etc., which we do not think of sufficient conse- 
quence to receive further notice in this work. 



PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 163 

Now such examinations are often of the utmost import- 
ance ; for they reveal the true condition of the female ; and 
if it be found that pregnancy really exists, her mind will 
be relieved of such suspense and harassing doubt as might 
be injurious both to herself and her child. On the other 
hand, if the enlargement depends upon some abnormal or 
diseased condition, which merely simulates pregnancy, the 
timely revelation of the disease, and the skillful applica- 
tion of the medical and surgical art, will often effect a cure 
and save the patient from prolonged suffering and an un- 
timely death. Another fact should always be borne in 
mind by those seeking advice upon such subjects, viz. : — 
Very few physicians are capable of conducting these ex- 
aminations and founding an opinion upon the infallible de- 
ductions of science. However eminent in the profession, 
no physician is competent for such a work unless he has 
given special attention to this department of medical 
science. Our n1§iical brethren may not thank us for such 
a revelation, but they know we speak the words of truth ; 
neither do we speak them to their disparagement, for every 
medical man, and almost every intelligent person, is fully 
aware that no one man can be skillful in every department 
of medicine. 



164 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 



CHAPTER VI. 

BARTUIRITION OJt ZABOX. 

Vague thoughts of young married women concerning labor — A de* 
•cription of the female pelvis and the child's head— The move- 
ments of the head in passing through the pelvis — How to deter- 
mine when labor will commence — How to tell when conception 
takes place — At what periods may a woman conceive? — Signs 
of approaching labor — Sensations of the female — Subsidence of 
the womb — How to tell spurious from true labor pains — The 
show — How the first examination should be made, and its objects — 
Attention to the bowels, bladder, etc. — Labor divided into three 
stages — Character of the pains — Rigid os uteri — Rupture of the 
bag of waters — The descent of the head — The support of the 
perineum — Cord around the neck — The caul — The separation of 
the child — Horrible mistakes — Delivery of the after-birth — Band- 
aging the mother — After pains, lochial discharge, etc. — Proper 
diet for the mother — Treatment of the child — When should it be 
put to the breast ? — Substitutes for the mother's milk — The bottle, 
the goat, and the wet-nurse. 

When the newly married female finds herself in a deli- 
cate situation for the first time, she is the victim of many 
vague and harassing thoughts concerning her safety and 
disagreeable condition. Her secret impressions, as we call 
them, are by no means concealed within her own breast, 
but are almost constantly vented in the presence of female 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. 165 

friends, adding greatly to the sociabilities and jollities of 
refined society. Her greatest anxiety has reference to the 
passage of the child from her body into the world. Though 
fully assured that thousands of babies are born every day, 
she cannot understand how a fully grown, lusty, squalling 
child can find a passage through her delicate organs, the dis- 
proportion between them and the size of the child being 
go great, in her judgment, as to render the thing quite 
unreasonable. With many fears, therefore, she is obliged 
to trust nature and the doctors for a safe delivery, and a 
triumphant lodgment of the baby into her fostering arms. 

A young woman, during her first pregnancy, got the idea 
into her head, that the pubic bones, forming the front 
part of the pelvis, separated widely to give exit to the 
child;, and, to prepare them for a more- ready and easy 
separation, she was in the habit of daily rubbing olive oil 
and other oleaginous substances into the parts. Not long 
since, we stood at the bed-side of a girl whose labor was 
difficult and protracted. In her moaning she exclaimed 
with some force of defiance, that she didn't know before, 
that was the way women had children. And when asked 
how she supposed they had them, she fixed her eyes upon 
us, and with apparent sincerity, said she always supposed 
the doctors cut them open and took the babies out. 

These cases may serve as good illustrations of the general 
ignorance of newly married females, concerning the anatomy 
and capabilities of their sexual systems. And such igno- 
rance is unavoidable ; for the means of instruction is not 
placed within their reach — the books published upon such 



166 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM 

subjects being designed for the physician's library, and far 
above the comprehension of the general reader ; or such 
insignificant catch-penny works as abound in errors, con- 
fuse and perplex the reader, and render distasteful all such 
studies. A chapter, therefore, upon natural labor finds 
an appropriate place in this work. 

In this chapter we cannot give a minute description of 
all the diameters of the pelvis and the child's head, and all 
the unnatural presentations and positions of the child, pre- 
ternatural, difficult and prolonged labors, etc. ; for such 
description would require a volume as large as the present, 
and would be of little use to the general reader. But we 
shall take a case of natural labor and carry it through to 
its termination, noticing such conditions and processes as 
maybe necessary to a general knowledge of the subject. 
By the perusal of this chapter it is to be hoped the reader 
will be made better as well as wiser, for in the natural 
birth of his creatures the wisdom and design of the Divine 
Being is mysteriously and wonderfully displayed. 

The pelvis, which signifies a basin, so called because it 
bears a slight resemblance to that vessel, is an irregular 
bony cavity, containing the urinary and genital organs, and 
a part of the intestines. It is deeper and stronger in the 
male than in the female, but broader and more delicate in 
the female than in the male, being adapted to the passage 
of the foetus. The first question, therefore, which naturally 
arises in the mind of the inquirer, is, how can a full grown 
foetus pass through such an irregular bony cavity. Take a 
person, who is totally uninformed upon this subject, and 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. , 167 

let hini look at the dried skeleton, and he would, at once, 
infer that such a thing would be impossible. But it is one 
of the most simple mechanical contrivances ; and with the 
pelvis in one hand and the head of a child in the other, we 
can make this whole matter so plain, that any person of 
ordinary capacity can fully comprehend it. 

The pelvis has two openings, like an old-fashioned basin 
with the bottom knocked out ; not, however, shaped ex- 
actly the same. Both apertures are somewhat oval, but 
not in the same direction ; the longest diameter of the supe- 
rior aperture being from side to side, while the inferior 
aperture measures the most from before backwards. Now, 
if you measure a full-sized female pelvis you will find the 
transverse diameter of the superior aperture about five 
inches, and the diameter from before backwards, about 
four inches. The diameters of the inferior apertures are 
also five and four inches, but the diameter from before 
backwards, is five inches, the same as the transverse 
diameter of the superior aperture, and the transverse 
diameter of the inferior aperture is four inches, the same 
as the diameter of the superior aperture from before back- 
wards. But the coccyx, which forms the tip end of the 
posterior part of the pelvis, curves inwards about one inch, 
making the antero-posterior diameter only four inches, the 
same as the antero-posterior diameter of the superior aper- 
ture ; but in labor, this bone is pushed backwards about 
one inch, making the antero-posterior diameter five inches, 
as we said before. 

The depth of the pelvis in front, is about one inch and a 



168 THK SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

half, being formed merely by the pubic bone ; but behind, 
it is about six inches deep, and is formed by the sacrum 
and coccyx. At the sides it is about four inches deep. 
The axis of the superior aperture, is downwards and back- 
wards, but the axis of the inferior aperture is directed 
downwards and forwards. The reader will, therefore, per- 
ceive, that the passage through the pelvis is not straight, 
but crooked. In what manner, therefore, can the child 
pass through such an irregular canal? 

In a natural labor the head is the part of the foetus which 
presents at the superior aperture, and, of course, is first 
born into the world. All other presentations are unnatural 
and rare exceptions to the general rule, none of them 
occurring more than once in fifty labors. Now if the head 
can pass through the pelvis, the body is usually expelled 
without difficulty ; for the head of the foetus, compared 
with the other portions of the body, is very large ; and the 
shoulders and hips, which alone could offer any obstruction, 
are so soft and compressible that they are readily shaped 
to the passage through which they are made to pass. It 
will, therefore, be sufficient for our present purpose, to ex- 
plain how the head can pass through the pelvis. 

The head is somewhat oval, corresponding with the 
Bhape of the apertures of the pelvis. It has a number of 
diameters, as it is measured in different directions ; but a 
knowledge of two only will be sufficient for our present de- 
scription. The long diameter, called the occipitofrontal 
diameter, extends from the forehead to the occiput or back 
part of the head, and measures about four inches and a 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. 169 

quarter. The transverse diameter is from side to side, at 
the widest portion of the head, and measures about three 
inches and a half. 

The reader will, therefore, perceive that the diameters 
of the bony pelvis are a little greater than the diameters of 
the foetal head ; but the muscles and other soft structures 
within the pelvis, which, during parturition are pressed 
against the bony walls, considerably reduce the diameters, 
making the long diameter of the pelvis a little less than the 
long diameter of the head. It is, therefore, evident, that 
in passing through the pelvis, the head must undergo cer- 
tain changes of position, placing its shorter diameters in 
relation with the longer diameters of the pelvis. 

In a natural labor the occiput is most commonly at the 
left side of the pelvis, a little in front of the line describing 
the transverse diameter, and the face on the right side 
directed a little backwards, the longest part of the head not 
being exactly transverse, but a little oblique. Now as 
labor progresses, the following movements of the head take 
place. First, the occiput is pushed down lower than the 
face, and the chin is made to rest upon the breast.- In this 
position the head has sufficient space to descend into the 
cavity of the pelvis. This movement is called flexion. In 
the second place, as the head advances, the occiput slides 
forwards under the pubes, and the face slides backwards 
in the hollow of the sacrum, which is called rotation. As 
the head is born, the occiput emerges from under the 
pubes; next the face slides over the perineum pressing 
the child's neck against the pubic bone ; and the head, 



170 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

which before was flexed, is now pushed backwards, which 
movement is called extension. And when the head is com- 
pletely born, the face turns towards the right thigh of the 
mother to straighten the neck, which before was twisted 
about a quarter of a circle. This is called restitution or 
external rotation. The causes of all these movements we 
have no space to explain ; but their object is to place the 
head in the most favorable position as the labor advances, 
to pass through the pelvis. So much for the mechanism 
of natural labor. 

Before describing labor itself, let us inquire how we can 
ascertain in any particular case, when labor will commence, 
and also notice the usual signs of its approach. You will 
tell me, perhaps, that it will commence in forty weeks or 
two hundred and eighty days from the time of conception, 
which we have shown to be the usual duration of preg- 
nancy. But how can we tell when conception is effected ? 
Can a woman tell by her own sensations when she con- 
ceives ? Some of the ancients thought so ; even the great 
Hippocrates advanced such an idea; but it is now well 
known that there is no special sensation superadded to 
that of sexual congress by which a woman can determine, 
at the time, when conception results from copulation. 
Besides, some women are as cold and inanimate as a block 
of marble ; still they Conceive, and do their part to multiply 
and replenish the earth. 

If quickening were a fixed and invariable period, it 
would be an easy matter to fix the time of the approach- 
ing confinement by adding weeks enough to that period to 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. 171 

make up the forty weeks. If women always quickened at 
twenty weeks of their pregnancy, we could add twenty 
weeks more, which would make forty weeks, the time when 
labor would commence. But the period of quickening is very 
variable. Some women feel the fluttering of the foetus at 
four months, others earlier, and others not till the fifth 
month ; and there are still other women who pass their 
full term of pregnancy without once feeling the motions 
of the child. 

But what connection is there between menstruation and 
conception ? It has been shown by the very best observers 
— and the same doctrine is supported by the theory of 
ovulation — that women are most likely to conceive very 
soon after menstruation ; for at that time an ovum has 
been expelled from the ovary, and is ripe and ready to be 
fecundated. If, therefore, a woman and her husband are 
living together, and you commence your calculations a day 
or two after the last menstruation, you will usually be able 
to tell pretty nearly when the woman will be confined. 
But according to the best observations a woman is liable to 
conceive at any time for two weeks, or thereabouts, after 
the menstrual flow ceases, and also just before the men- 
strual period, because in the former case an ovum belong- 
ing to the last menstrual period may not be lost till that 
time ; and in the latter case there may be a premature 
ovum belonging to the next menstruation fit for fecunda- 
tion. If, therefore, a man is away from his wife, and re- 
turns just before her menstrual period, and she passes 
that period without menstruating, you are, of course, to 



i72 THE SEXUAL SYSTKM. 

make your calculations from that time. If he return a 
few days only after she menstruates, she will, most likely, 
conceive at the first connection ; but if the period be later 
and not beyond two weeks, she may conceive at the first 
connection or not till just before the next period ; and it 
is possible that a woman may conceive at any time between 
her menstrual periods. In such a case there would, of 
course, be more or less doubt as to the time that labor 
would commence. In all extreme cases, or those which 
vary more or less from the usual duration of pregnancy, 
there is no means of telling, with any degree of certainty, 
when labor will commence, except by the signs which im- 
mediately precede it. 

In all ordinary cases, therefore, where the parties live 
together constantly, and the woman is menstruating and 
in a condition to conceive and bear children, you will be 
able to tell when she will be confined, by taking the last 
menstrual period as your starting point. In other cases, 
including nursing women who conceive before the menses 
return, you will be more or less befogged and in doubt as 
to the time of parturition, and your judgment must be 
formed from the symptoms and signs of pregnancy as they 
appear at different stages of the gestation. 

Again, there are certain signs of approaching labor, 
which patients, as well as physicians, should know some- 
thing about. For a number of days, and sometimes for 
two or three weeks before labor actually commences, the 
patient will occasionally complain of uneasy sensations 
about the region of the womb, and if it be her first preg- 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. 173 

nancy she may think she is going into labor, and send for 
the doctor ; or she may regard these sensations as evidences 
of approaching danger, and desire to consult her physician, 
who, if qualified for the responsibilities of his profession, 
will be prepared to remove such apprehensions, and to ad- 
minister to the mind such comfort as the nature of the 
case admits. These sensations are really useful in prepar- 
ing the womb for the more arduous task it has to perform ; 
and it is supposed by some that the more active these pre- 
liminary sensations the easier and safer will be the ap- 
proaching labor. They arise from the gentle contractions 
of the womb, which prepare the os uteri to undergo the 
necessary dilatation for the passage of the foetus into the 
world. 

Some days, or a week or two, before the commencement 
of labor a remarkable change takes place in the position 
of the womb. It consists in the subsidence of the gravid 
womb into the abdomen, so that its fundus, or top, is no 
higher up than at the eighth month. The os uteri, of 
course, sinks lower in the pelvis ; the abdomen is less pro- 
minent*than before, and the patient feels lighter, breathes 
easier, and is more cheerful. This change is sometimes 
gradual, at other times quite sudden. It may take place 
in the night, and when the female awakes in the morning 
she is greatly astonished to find that her stomach, in a 
measure, has disappeared, and that her sensations have 
undergone a very agreeable change. This is sometimes 
called the righting of the womb, as it is placed in a better 
position for the efforts of labor. But there are temporary 



174 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

inconveniences attending this change which are quite pro- 
minent signs of approaching labor. 

The lower part of the womb thus falling down, makes 
more or less pressure upon the viscera within the pelvis. 
The bladder is most liable to pressure from this cause 
and irritation of that organ, and a frequent or constant de- 
sire to pass water is the result. This desire will sometimes 
be so constant and urgent that it will amount to absolute 
suffering ; and sometimes the pressure upon the neck of 
the bladder will prevent micturition, and the doctor will 
be obliged to draw off the water. The rectum or lower 
bowel may be unduly pressed upon, and there may be a 
distressing tenesmus,. a tormenting desire to evacuate the 
bowels though they are empty, such as exists in dysentery ; 
and the physician may be sent for, who should explain the 
cause of the trouble to his patient, and assure her that, in 
due time, all will be right. It is well also to give a little 
anodyne medicine to allay these distressing sensations. 
But if the case is mistaken for dysentery, and the patient 
is subjected to heroic treatment for that disease, much 
useless trouble, if not positive injury, will be the conse- 
quence. 

There are some other premonitory symptoms of labor, 
caused by the pressure of the womb upon the nerves and 
other structures within the pelvis, which, in passing, we 
will just mention. Hemorrhoidal tumors or piles, may now 
become very distressing ; the dropsy of the lower limbs 
may be considerably increased at this particular time; 
various neuralgic pains, especially about the hips and loins, 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. 175 

may now remind the patient that this world is not a place of 
unalloyed happiness ; numbness in the lower limbs, amount-, 
ing in some cases to complete paralysis, will greatly alarm 
the patient and call loudly for the aid and comfort of the 
physician. 

Among other signs of approaching labor, we may men- 
tion the relaxed and soft condition of the vagina, and all 
ihe external organs, with an increased moisture of the 
parts, and a discharge of thick mucus from the vagina. 
The os uteri is also softer, and though the labor pains have 
not yet commenced, it will be found a little dilated, espe- 
cially in women who have borne children. 

Now let us suppose the physician is summoned to attend 
a lady in her confinement. When he receives such a sum- 
mons, he takes it for granted that labor has actually com- 
menced, and repairs to the residence of his patient with 
the least possible delay. In a majority of cases he will 
find his patient in labor ; but in other cases labor will not 
have commenced, and if he is not fully awake to his busi- 
ness he will lounge around for a considerable time before 
he finds out the mistake ; and when he goes away to wait 
a few days longer, perhaps, for labor to commence, he will 
not be likely to carry with him the confidence of the patient 
and her friends. They will think he ought to have known, 
at once, that the woman was not in labor, and not hang 
around so long, and make fools of everybody. The physi- 
cian should, therefore, proceed without any unnecessary 
delay, to find out the true condition of his patient. 

There are certain pains, entirely independent of the 



176 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

uterus and uterine contractions, which sometimes simulate 
labor pains, and deceive both the patient and the doctor. 
These pains are called by authors spurious or false labor 
pains, to distinguish them from the true p^ins. They do 
not result from the contractions of the womb, like the pre- 
liminary or preparatory sensations already described. Now 
when the physician is called to attend a labor, it is import- 
ant that he should be able to distinguish between these 
spurious and true labor pains. The spurious differ from 
the true pains, both in their character and location. 

1. The spurious pains are very irregular in their return 
and duration. Sometimes they are almost continuous, 
and very distressing ; they ane continually shifting from the 
back to the sides and some part of the abdomen. But 
true labor pains, at the commencement, are very weak, of 
short duration, and long intervals ; and they come and go 
with regularity, and increase in frequency and strength as 
the labor progresses ; and they commence in the lower part 
of the loins and extend to the abdomen and thighs. If the 
female is sitting in her chair with her work in her hands, 
and is taken with one of these gentle labor pains, she 
quietly lays down her work, takes hold of the chair with 
her hands, turns her head a little one side, screws her 
mouth a little out of shape, and with a suppressed moan, 
not always audible, comes out of it, and resumes her work, 
as if nothing had happened. No such regularity is observed 
in those jumping, shooting, irregular spurious pains. 

2. We have no trouble in telling the character of the 
pains if we make a proper examination of the womb. Lat 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. 177 

the physician place his hand snugly upon the abdomen of 
the patient during a pain, and if it be a true labor pain, he 
will feel the womb tightening and hardening under his 
hand ; and when the pain passes off the hardened uterus 
will become relaxed. But all doubt may be removed by 
an examination per vaginam. If the os uteri is found 
somewhat dilated, and the membranes slightly protruded 
during a pain, presenting to the finger a slight resistance, 
but receding somewhat and becoming flaccid when the pain 
passes off, the woman is in labor. 

As another sign of commencing labor the female will 
sometimes be taken with rigors, or shivering fits, and, per- 
haps, vomiting, depending upon the contractions of the 
womb and the dilatation of the os uteri. These symp- 
toms may alarm the patient, but they are usually quite 
harmless ; indeed, they are looked upon by some medical 
men as highly favorable, insuring a more ready dilatation 
of the os uteri, and a more safe and speedy birth of the 
child. 

Again ; When labor commences, or a short time before, 
as we have already intimated, there will be a discharge 
from the vagina of a thick, glairy mucous substance, 
usually streaked with blood. This is derived from the 
follicles of the vagina and neck of the womb. It is often 
very profuse, and it is furnished by nature to lubricate the 
parts, thereby facilitating their distension. This discharge 
is known among women as the show. But there will oc- 
casionally be an absence of it, and the labor is then called 
a dry labor. 
12 



178 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

Let us now suppose our patient is in labor, and the 
doctor is present to render his services, and receive his fee. 
His duties, even in a case of natural labor are many, and r 
if skillfully performed, will greatly contribute to the com- 
fort and safety of his patient, insuring her a good getting 
up, and subsequent freedom from various female disorders 
which so often wither and blast the fairest of Eve's 
daughters. The first duty of the medical attendant, after 
a little chat with the nurse and patient about the weather 
or anything else that may be uppermost, is to make ar- 
rangements for an examination per vaginam. We have 
already spoken of such an examination to ascertain the 
character of the pains, and decide the question whether 
the woman be really in labor ; but there are many other 
things to be learned by this first examination, which the 
intelligent physician is not likely to overlook. It is better 
for the doctor to speak to the nurse or the mother, and 
tell her that it is necessary to make an examination to see 
if everything is right. Because this examination is made 
when a pain is upon the patient, it is sometimes called 
taking a pain, and the nurse may tell the patient that the 
doctor wants to take a pain. For this and all subsequent 
examinations per- vaginam, the patient should be placed 
upon her left side with her thighs drawn up, or upon her 
back, according to the choice of the accouaheur. Our 
own choice is the back posture, as being the easiest for the 
patient, and the least liable to suggestions of vulgarity. 
Nothing appears to us more vulgar than the side posture 
with the nates directed towards the doctor. Having de- 



PARTURITION OR LABOR, 179 

cided upon the posture, the doctor should prepare his 
index finger for such an examination ; the nail should be 
cut short and scraped smooth, and if the finger should be 
adorned with a large, rough ring, it should be removed ; 
for a sharp nail, and a large diamond ring, might alike be 
objectionable to the patient's vagina. The finger should 
be lubricated with a little lard, or olive oil, and introduced 
during a pain. Place the end of the finger within the 
mouth of the womb, and keep it there till the pain passes 
off, in order to make a full and careful examination of the 
condition of the parts. The mouth of the womb will 
sometimes be directed much further backwards than the 
young practitioner would expect, and he might first touch 
the anterior and lower part of the organ. Let him then 
slide his finger backwards till he places it within the os. 
The thumb and all the fingers, except the one to be used 
for the examination, must be snugly closed, and consider- 
able pressure must be made upon the perineum to extend 
the finger far enough up to make a good survey of the 
parts. Some practitioners prefer the middle finger, and 
others use both the index and middle fingers. If, in any 
case, the doctor should be unable to reach the womb with 
his patient in the recumbent posture, she should stand up 
for the examination, as gravitation will bring the womb a 
little lower down in the pelvis. With the legs somewhat 
distended, and the patient slightly stooping, she may be 
requested, if necessary, to bear down, which will bring the 
womb still lower in the pelvis. But there will seldom be 
occasion for such a posture. We don't think a case can be 



.180 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

found that we could not fully explore in the recumbent 
posfrure ; but we are blessed with a finger not at all con- 
tracted in length. 

There are several things which the physician should en- 
deavor to learn by this first examination. He finds, we 
will suppose, that the patient is actually in labor ; and now 
he wishes to know the condition of the pelvis, and soft 
parts, through which the child must pass. Is the pelvis 
natural? or is it deformed? Is it of the usual capacity ? 
or is it small, and contracted in its dimensions ? If de- 
formed or small, is it sufficiently so to interfere seriously 
with the safety of the mother and the birth of the child, 
or merely to render the labor tedious and protracted ? Is 
the womb in its natural position ? Are the mouth of the 
womb, the vagina, and the external parts, soft, dilatable, 
and well lubricated with the natural secretions, or are they 
rigid and dry ? At this examination the physician should 
also ascertain, if possible, what part of the child presents ; 
and if he finds the head at the superior aperture he should 
endeavor to ascertain its exact position to the pelvis. All 
these things will enable him to form a judgment as to the 
character of the labor, and if there should be anything 
unnatural, or any obstruction to a good delivery he will be 
placed fully upon his guard, and enabled, at the most 
suitable time, to render the necessary assistance. 

Having made this examination, the physician should 
next inquire into the condition of the bladder and bowels. 
Perhaps he found the bladder distended with urine, and 
the lower bowel with foecal matter, when he made,the ex^ 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. 181 

amination ; if so, the patient should be requested to pass 
her water ; and if she is unable to do so, it must be drawn 
off with the catheter. An enema should also be given to re- 
lieve the bowels ; or, if the patient has not had a passage 
for a day or more, and the labor is not far advanced, a 
prompt cathartic may be administered. Some attention 
should be paid to the room, and the bed of the parturient 
woman. The room should be kept quiet, clean and airy, 
and it is entirely out of place for a large number of persons 
to be present, especially those who wear melancholy visages, 
and are accustomed to telling frightful stories of horrible 
cases of labor that they have witnessed ; for though their 
intentions may be good, and their presence may be endured, 
they are a great annoyance to the patient. Everything 
should be cheerful, but not boisterous and noisy. Of course, 
the contents of the chamber are not allowed to remain in 
the room except by the most vulgar and filthy people. If 
the patient can have some kind of cot or bed, to be de- 
livered upon, and another clean and fresh, to be laid upon 
after the labor is completed, it will contribute to her clean- 
liness and comfort. But if that be inconvenient, an oil- 
cloth should be placed upon the mattress, and a quilt spread 
over it ; or a folded quilt should be placed under her hips 
to prevent the discharges from wetting and soiling the bed 
that she must afterwards lay upon. 

And now let me admonish you not to fall into the error 
of supposing that the patient must not eat anything till the 
labor is completed. If she is hungry, let her eat ; but her 
diet should be bland, and liquid for the most part, not 



182 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

solid and stimulating, for there is so much going on in the 
womb, that there might not be sufficient action in the 
stomach to digest solid substances, and they might remain 
to act as irritants, and produce the worst consequences. 
No spirituous liquors should be given unless specially indi- 
cated and ordered by the physician. We have known the 
worst consequences to follow the use of such articles during 
labor. The patient may take tea, gruel, light broth, 
cracker toast, etc. , and these articles should be nicely pre- 
pared, palatable and refreshing. Too much attention can- 
not be given to these things. A great burden is laid upon 
woman, and too much cannot be done, in this her time of 
trial, to assuage her sorrows, and comfort and cheer her 
heart. 

For the purpose of simplifying as much as possible, the 
description of natural labor, we will divide the whole pro- 
cess into three stages, viz. ; the first stage which ends 
when the bag of waters rupture and the os uteri is suffi- 
ciently dilated to allow the passage of the child's head; 
the second stage includes the descent and expulsion of the 
child into the world ; and the third stage consists in the 
delivery of the after-birth. 

During the first stage, it is entirely unnecessary for the 
patient to keep her bed unless she feels so inclined. It is 
better that she be up a part of the time, and lounge upon 
the sofa, sit in an easy chair, walk about the room or busy 
herself in any way she pleases. But when the bag of 
waters rupture and the os uteri is sufficiently dilated to 
allow the descent of the child, she should take her bed, 



*ARTTTRITTON OR LABOR. 183 

and keep it till she is delivered. She need not, however, 
be confined to one posture ; she can lay upon her side, or 
back, or change from one posture to another, as may con- 
tribute to her comfort. The back is usually the easiest 
posture as it affords support to the spine. We always 
prefer to deliver a woman upon her back. 

The number of examinations necessary during the first 
stage will depend altogether upon the character of the 
labor ; usually two or three will be sufficient. If the parts 
were found well lubricated with the natural secretions at 
the first examination, it will be entirely unnecessary to 
have recourse to the lard pot or oil bottle afterwards. One 
rule every physician should observe, viz. ; never make any 
unnecessary, examinations, as they are always annoying to 
the patient. When, however, the waters escape, an ex- 
amination should always be made to ascertain the progress 
of the labor, and the exact position of the head. 

The character of the pains undergo great changes during 
the progress of the labor. At first they are slight, short 
and infrequent ; but as the labor progresses they are more 
severe, more frequent, and of longer duration. At first we 
have the grinding or cutting pains as they are called. If 
the patient takes hold of your hand, she squeezes or twists 
it, but does not pull forcibly upon it ; she turns her head 
ane side, and twists her mouth out of shape, and gives 
vent to a slight moaning or grumbling noise. But when 
the os uteri is sufficiently dilated to allow the head to make 
a decided pressure upon it, these pains assume a different 
character. The patient now bears down. When these 



1S4 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

latter pains are fully developed, she grasps any thing within 
her reach, endeavors to fix her feet against some resisting 
object, holds her breath and pulls with all her might. 
Her moaning is very slight, as she is obliged to hold her 
breath, but it passes off when she takes another breath, 
with a sort of explosive grunt. These are the forcing 
pains, which continue and increase in frequency and length, 
till the child is brought into the world. Now this differ- 
ence in the pains very often enables the physician to judge 
of the progress of the labor, as soon as he steps across the 
threshold of the lying-in chamber,, and it inculcates a lesson, 
which should never be disregarded. It is this : while the 
pains are grinding, the patient should never be urged to 
bear down, as it could produce no good, but might do 
much mischief by exhausting her strength. On the con- 
trary,' if she seem to think she ought to bear down, she 
should be cautioned against doing so, till the pains assume 
the forcing character, when she will bear down whether 
you urge her to or not. At this stage of the labor it is 
good practice to twist up a sheet and tie one end to the 
foot-post, and a loop in the other end for the patient to 
take in her hands ; and also to bring her down in the bed 
and let her feet rest against the foot-board, or afford some 
other support for the feet. Thus fixed, she has an ex- 
cellent opportunity to expend all her bearing-down efforts 
to the best advantage. 

Let me here admonish the physician in his examinations 
during the first stage of labor, not to rupture the mem- 
branous sack. These membranes are sometimes very thin, 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. 185 

and non-resisting, and any scratching with the finger-nail, 
or rough pressure of the finger, might cause their rupture 
and the premature escape of the waters. This is always 
an unfortunate circumstance, as it renders the labor more 
protracted and tedious. As the bag of waters come down 
into the os, it keeps up an equitable and uniform pressure 
which aids essentially in the dilatation of the parts ; hence 
their usefulness. There are cases, however, where these 
membranes are so tough that they do not rupture spon- 
taneously when they can be of no further service. In such 
a case the physician should do the work that nature fails 
to do. 

Sometimes the parts will be very dry, the os uteri rigid, 
and its dilatation slow and irksome, rendering the labor 
painful and protracted. This calls for the skillful assist- 
ance of the medical attendant, and various means may be 
employed to overcome the rigidity. If the parts are dry 
they should be well lubricated with fresh lard or olive oil. 
The ointment of Belladonna may be occasionally rubbed 
upon the mouth of the womb. Very great advantage 
may be derived from the steam of hot water. Place a 
broad vessel of hot water under a chair with an open bot- 
tom, on which the patient must be seated. Let the water 
be as hot as it can be comfortably borne ; and it will often 
act like magic. Advantage may be derived from the use 
of various remedies, which have a relaxing influence upon 
the system. The wine of Ipecac, or tartar emetic, carried 
to the extent of producing a little nausea, but not vomit- 
ing, will often act like a charm. Sulphuric ether, when 



180 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

not contra-indicated by disease of the respiratory organs, 
is a most efficient remedy. It should be poured upon a 
sponge or napkin, and held to the patient's mouth till it 
produces a gently soothing and lulling effect ; but it should 
not be carried to the extent of producing absolute insensi- 
bility. If the patient be plethoric, and has a rigid muscle, 
the most suitable and efficient remedy is the lancet. It 
should not be used heedlessly, but when plainly indicated, 
if the physician refuses to employ it he does his patient 
great injustice, and endangers her health or even life. It 
* 13 marvellous how the os uteri will soften and dilate under 
the influence of blood-letting. 

During the second stage of labor the patient will often 
complain bitterly of a pain in the back. She may tell the 
doctor that her poor back will break, and confidingly look 
to him for relief. To this complaint the doctor should not 
turn a deaf ear, he should show his sympathy by assuring 
her that, in due time, all will be right ; and by doing all in 
his power for her comfort. Let him place his hand under 
her back and during a pain make some degree of pressure, 
or let him place a napkin under her back, and have an as- 
sistant at each end, and during a pain make pressure by 
raising the ends of the napkin. In this way, or in any 
other that may suggest itself, the doctor will show his 
sympathy and administer to the comfort and relief of his 
patient. 

As the head of the child advances it makes pressure 
upon the rectum, and not unfrequently produces a strong 
tenesmic sensation, as if the bowels needed evacuating; 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. 187 

and the patient may insist upon getting up for that pur- ' 
pose ; but in no case should she be allowed to do so, as 
the child might be suddenly delivered at that unfortunate 
moment. If the patient is made to understand the cause 
of this distressing sensation, and assured that her bowels 
are all right, she will summon patience, and endure the 
distress with comparative ease. 

As the head continues to descend, it makes pressure 
upon the perineum, forcing it out into a rounded tumor as 
large as a man's two hands spread out with the fingers 
interlocked. Were it not for the perineum, the head 
would continue to descend downwards and backwards in 
close contact with the coccyx ; and from the force of this 
direction there is always more or less danger of lacerating 
the perineum. It should, therefore, be supported by the 
hand of the physician, and never trusted to the nurse, or 
an assistant. Let him take a napkin* in the palm of his 
hand, and placing it upon the perineum below the inferior 
commissure of the orifice of the vagina, make moderate 
pressure forwards during a pain. When the pain is off, 
•the head recedes somewhat and no support is necessary ; 
but when the pain returns it should again be firmly sup- 
ported, for it is by a succession of pains that the head is 
usually forced through the external parts. By such sup- 
port, we assist the perineum in pushing the head forwards, 
at the time that the contractions of the uterus are forcing 
it downwards ; and if ths pressure be properly applied, the 
liability of its laceration is greatly diminished. The radial 
or upper part of the hand, should be placed across the thin 



188 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

edge of the perineum, as that is the part most liable to 
lacerate first. But at length when the pain comes which 
pushes the head into the world, the greatest support is re- 
quired ; and as the head slides over the thin edge of the 
perineum, the female gives utterence to a short, sharp 
shriek, which alarms no one but novices. The pressure 
of the head upon the perineum when it is greatly distended, 
and its passage over the perineum, are the most painful 
part of the labor ; and if the physician be apt and clever, 
he can greatly console his patient by kind and positive 
assurances that her suffering's will soon be over. 

The head of the child is now born into the world, and 
the cord will sometimes be found drawn around the neck. 
We have seen three turns of it so closely drawn around the 
neck that the child must have died from suffocation, had it 
not been promptly removed. This, therefore, is the very 
first thing that should engage the attention of the physi- 
cian when the head emerges from the mother's parts. 
Let him at once, examine the neck, and if he find the cord 
around it, draw it down a little, and, passing his finger 
beneath, slip it over the back part of the head. This can 
usually be done with the greatest ease ; if, however, a case 
should occur where the cord is so tight that this cannot be 
done, it should be cut with the scissors and the delivery 
effected with the least possible delay. 

Sometimes a piece of membrane torn from the mass of 
membranes by the descent of the head through the os 
uteri and vagina, will be found upon the face or head of the 
child. This is called the caul. Anciently, it was supposed 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. 189 

that a person born with a caul, or one who carried a piece 
of it about his person, would be preserved from violent 
death by fire, water, etc. ; and would have presentiments 
of important events in the future, such as the death of 
friends, marriages of particular persons, important changes 
in State, etc. Hence it was considered of great value, and 
was carefully preserved and dried, and sold at a great price. 
The same superstition exists among some people at the 
present time. 

The head being born, a thoughtless and uneducated mid- 
wife, having something to pull upon, would naturally pro- 
ceed to extract the child as soon as possible. But this is 
not good practice. Unless something should indicate the 
necessity for interference, the termination of the labor 
should be left to nature. Let the medical attendant ex- 
amine the neck as we have stated ; let him see that there 
are no pieces of membranes, or thick mucus about the 
mouth or nose, to obstruct the passage of the air to the 
lungs — for the child will usually gasp for breath, and show 
signs of life as soon as the head is born — and in a few mo- 
ments the uterus will again contract, and the shoulders, 
and the hips, and the entire child will be pushed into the 
world, and complete what we have denominated the second 
stage of the labor. And now commences another series 
of duties. 

Let the child be placed with its back towards the mother, 
to prevent any discharges from getting into its mouth, and 
immediately place the hand upon the mother's abdomen 
to sec if there is twins. If so, the belly remains hard and 



190 THfc SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

nearly as large as before the birth of the first child ; if not, 
there will be a great sinking down and flatness of the belly, 
and the uterus will be felt to contract under the hand. To 
favor contraction of the womb and thereby prevent flooding, 
gentle pressure should be continued for some time. The 
nurse may be directed to continue the pressure, when the 
physician's attention is given to the child. If the womb 
contracts well, it will be felt just above the pubes, as hard 
and about as large as the child's head. 

The next thing to be attended to is the separation of the 
child from the mother. As soon as it breathes well, and cries 
lustily, and the pulsation in the cord ceases, its inde- 
pendent circulation is fully established. Both, or either, 
of these signs, indicate clearly that the circulation no 
longer goes on from the heart to the placenta, but from 
the heart to the lungs ; and the child may now be cut loose 
as follows : — Take a piece of narrow tape, or a string made 
of nine or ten strands of thread, and tie the cord with a 
firm square knot about two inches from the navel, and cut 
it off with a pair of scissors, a quarter of an inch from the 
knot. It is the common practice to place two ligatures 
upon the cord, and cut between them, but this is entirely 
unnecessary, as the blood which passes from the cord, does 
not come from the mother but merely from the placenta ; 
and, indeed, it is good practice to allow the placenta to 
empty itself, as its bulk is somewhat reduced thereby, and 
its abstraction more easily effected. In case of twins, how- 
ever, two ligatures should always be employed, as the two 
placentae might inosculate, or be connected in such a man- 



PARTURITION' OR LABOR, 191 

ner, that the bleeding from the cord of the first child, 
might deprive the second of its life. In doing this little 
job the physician should see what he is about, and this he 
can do without any exposure of the mother. It has been 
the custom to tie and cut the cord under the cover of the 
clothes, and many accidents have resulted from such blind 
practice. The cord has been frequently cut off between the 
child and the ligature, close up to the navel, not leaving 
enough to tie again, subjecting the doctor to great mortifi- 
cation and censure, and the child to the annoyance and 
danger of hemorrhage. Thex*e is more than one case on 
record where a finger has been mistaken for the cord, and 
clipped off with the scissors ; and just think of the horror 
upon horrors if the doctor, instead of clipping off the cord, 
should get hold of the penis and clip off that. ( Even such 
cases are on record. Never, therefore, do this work in the 
dark. 

The child being separated from the mother the doctor 
must be careful that the dirty little thing does not slip out 
of his hands and go bang upon the floor, as such an ac- 
cident would never be overlooked by the patient nor her 
friends. He should at once place it in a warm flannel or 
blanket, made ready for the purpose, and then hand it to 
the nurse, or lay it away in some safe place till she is ready 
to perform the ablution and dressing. Don't place the 
child in a chair convenient for people to sit upon as they 
come into the room, for some venerable matron of corpu- 
lent figure and broad proportions might seat herself in the 
same chair, not noticing the priority claim of the little 



192 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

stranger, and give it a most pressing reception, not at all 
consistent with its age and development. Such accidents 
have happened, and it is the duty of the accoucheur to 
guard against their liability. 

Sometimes the child shows no signs of life when it is 
born into the world, and it may be difficult to ascertain 
whether it be really dead or not. The hand should be 
placed over the region of the heart, and if that organ is 
found to beat, however faintly ; or, if no action is observed 
except a sort of tremulous sensation communicated to the 
hand, there is hope of saving the child, and there should 
be no delay in the use of the most vigorous means for that 
purpose. Sometimes the breath of life will be brought 
into it by a few slaps upon the buttocks, or by plunging it 
into a warm bath, or by frictions upon the surface, or by 
sprinkling cold water upon it. But if all such means fail, 
artificial respiration must be resorted to. This may be 
done thus : compress the nostrils between the thumb and 
finger, then place your mouth upon that of the child, or 
place a tube of some sort in the child's mouth, or, what is 
better, a small pair of bellows, and blow some air into the 
lungs, and immediately compress the chest to force it out. 
Let these efforts be made in quick succession, and if the 
child be not entirely dead they will usually succeed in its 
resuscitation. A small pair of bellows is to be preferred, 
if at hand, as you force the pure air into the lungs of the 
child instead of the air which has been breathed. By 
placing the hands upon the chest, and imitating the natural 
movements of respiration, its capacity will be successively 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. 193 

enlarged and contracted, and a small amount of air will be 
drawn into the lungs and expelled from them without the 
disagreeable and troublesome business of blowing into the 
child's mouth. This means will often succeed in its resus- 
citation. In our own hands it has been most successful. 

Now let us return to the mother, and consider the third 
stage of labor, or the delivery of the after-birth. After 
the birth of the child she will have a little rest, and feel 
composed and happy, in view of her safe delivery ; and if it 
should be her first confinement she may suppose the labor is 
all over, and her troubles and dangers at an end. But in 
fifteen or twenty minutes she is aroused by another pain, 
and supposes, perhaps, that there is another child in her 
womb. But this is an effort of the womb to detach and 
expel the placenta. Usually a few pains are sufficient for 
this purpose. As the womb contracts and diminishes its 
bulk the attachment of the after-birth is peeled off; and 
it may be forced out at once or require your assistance for 
its removal. The finger may now be introduced along the 
cord to the placenta, which may be entirely detached from 
the womb and laying over its mouth. Now hook the 
finger over its edge and draw it down, thus unbuttoning 
the placenta, as Professor Meigs would say. In bringing 
away the placenta it should always be rotated a number of 
times upon itself, thus twisting the membranes into a sort 
of cord, which greatly increases their strength, diminishes 
their volume, and enables you to bring them away without 
tearing them or leaving any portion of them behind, a re- 
sult always to be avoided if possible. In all cases where 
18 



194 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

the placenta is not entirely detached from the womb no 
great traction should be made upon the cord, as it might 
produce inversion of the fundus of the womb. Cases are 
on record where the womb has been completely inverted, 
and brought down out of the body by such barbarous 
practice. But when the detachment of the placenta is de- 
layed, owing to the feeble contractions of the womb, much 
can be done to excite the action of that organ. Frictions 
over the region of the womb ; cold water dashed upon the 
abdomen, a piece of ice applied to the sacrum ; rubbing the 
neck of the womb with the finger, etc. , are some of the 
ordinary means usually resorted to with success. But 
cases will now and then arise where all such means will 
prove unavailing. For the morbid adhesions of the pla- 
centa are sometimes so strong that the contractions of the 
womb are insufficient to break them up ; and sometimes 
after the detachment from the surface has been effected, it 
will be retained in the womb in consequence of the spas- 
modic contraction of its neck or such irregular action of 
the organ, as forms what is denominated the hour-glass 
contraction. In such cases the physician must proceed to 
remove it, by a careful, persevering, energetic use of the 
means pointed out in our full text works upon obstetrics. 
In all cases of flooding, the placenta should be delivered 
as speedily as possible, and the most energetic means em- 
ployed to insure the contractions of the womb ; and the 
doctor must not leave his patient for two or three hours 
afterwards, as the womb might suddenly relax, and the 
flooding reappear and endanger the life of the patient 



PARTURITION OK LABOR, 195 

As soon as the after-birth is delivered, the bandage 
should be applied. And here let us inquire what benefits 
are to be secured by the bandage. As it is usually made 
and applied it can produce no good effects except, perhaps, 
to afford the patient a sense of support. Bedford says, 
1 ' The object of applying the bandage at all, is simply to 
afford gentle and equitable support to the abdominal 
parietes, which have been in a state of great distension ; 
and now that the child has left the uterus they are, on the 
contrary, in a remarkably relaxed condition. ' ' This is the 
only advantage of the bandage according to that great 
bombast, and most of our text-books are equally at fault, 
and the result of such teaching is, that most physicians 
are exceedingly careless about the bandage, and some of 
them omit it altogether. But our own experience and our 
knowledge of the success of those physicians who give 
proper attention to this matter satisfy us that in addition 
to the sense of support which it gives the patient, the 
following advantages may be secured where it is properly 
made and applied : 

1. By securing the efficient contractions of the abdomi- 
nal parietes the patient has a more symmetrical form after 
she gets up than she otherwise would have. The bulging 
and ill-formed belly so often seen in parturient women is 
usually prevented by proper bandaging after delivery. 

2. By securing the efficient contractions of the uierus, 
the patient is less likely to be troubled with various 
uterine disorders, such as falling of the womb, flooding, 
leucorrhoea, etc. 



196 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

3. Statistics show that patients who receive such atten- 
tion are less liable to that terrible disease known as puer- 
peral or child-bed fever, or puerperal peritonitis. 

The straight bandage should never be used, as it is apt 
to slip from its place, and cannot be equably applied. 
The physician should inquire in season about the bandage, 
and if he does hot find a suitable one already prepared he 
should call for a piece of linen or muslin about fifteen 
inches wide, and long enough to lap well around the body. 
On one side he should cut into it some six or eight inches 
in two places about a foot and a half apart, and have 
triangular pieces sewed into the rent to enlarge it for the 
hips. On the other side he should cut out two pieces and 
have the rent sewed up, to make it smaller for the body 
above the hips. The whole of this would not occupy more 
than ten or fifteen minutes ; and it should be done with 
courtesy, and not with an air of reproach because a suit- 
able bandage is not already prepared. This simple con- 
trivance, so quickly done, will answer all practical pur- 
poses; but when the patient understands how to make it 
she will usually have a much, nicer one prepared before- 
hand. In applying the bandage, the patient should make 
no effort to assist herself, and should be disturbed as little 
as possible. Her head and shoulders should be raised for 
no purpose whatever ; but the bandage should be slipped 
undes the back, and smoothly adjusted to the form ; then 
a compress, consisting of one or two folded towels, 
should be placed over the region of the contracted womb, 
and the ends of the bandage smoothly, but firmly, lapped 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. 197 

over it, and secured with pins. Two or three pins are not 
sufficient, but some half-dozen should be used, and as the 
parts become contracted and smaller it should from time to 
time be drawn more closely. Of course, there is such a 
thing as applying too much force, but the physician must 
exercise his own judgment in the matter. 

The bandage being applied, place a napkin under the 
vulva to receive the discharges ; and now if the patient be 
much exhausted let her remain an hour or two before 
changing, or in any way disturbing her. During this time 
she may go to sleep, and get refreshed, and then if she is 
to lay upon another bed she should be removed by two 
persons, being instructed not to make the least effort her- 
self, and being kept in the horizontal posture every mo- 
ment of her time. Her head and shoulders, should not be 
raised for any purpose whatever. These directions are 
especially indicated, if the labor had been protracted, or 
there had been much loss of blood, or the patient had be- 
come exhausted. If she is to l&y upon the same bed, 
everything that is soiled or damp should be removed, clean 
sheets should be placed upon the bed, and everything 
about the bed and the patient should be fresh and clean, 
and everything that could viciate the air should be removed 
from the room. The room should be well ventilated, 
great caution being used not to allow a cold draught of air 
to come upon the patient. It should also be a little 
darkened, and kept perfectly quiet, all company being 
avoided till the patient gets some rest. 

But now let us go back and attend to the baby. The 



198 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

first attention it needs is a thorough washing. For this 
purpose the, nurse should provide herself with a vessel of 
warm water, a little nice soap, a little olive oil, and a soft, 
fine sponge. In order to remove the unctuous material 
covering the surface of the child, every part should be 
lubricated with the oil before using the soap and water. 
It should be well rubbed upon the surface with the palm 
of the hand, and then the soap and water should be freely 
applied by means of the sponge, great care being used not 
to get the soap into the child's eyes, as such an accident 
might produce a most disgusting, and troublesome disease, 
called purulent ophthalmia. Infants very often have sore 
eyes from this cause. The ablution being thoroughly per- 
formed, the child should be dried, not by rubbing, but 
with a warm, spft flannel, gently pressed upon every part 
of its body. 

In the next place the navel should be dressed. This is 
a very small job. Take a piece of muslin or linen about 
four inches square ; fold it both ways, making four thick- 
nesses, then clip off the folded corner ; and when unfolded 
there will be a hole in. the middle, through which the cord 
must be passed and turned upwards. Now turn the lower 
part of the linen upwards over the cord, thus placing it 
between the folds of linen. Then the belly-band must be 
applied, which will keep the dressing in its place. This 
should always be sewed on, as pins are liable to get loose, 
and prick, and torment the little stranger, who, as yet, has 
done nothing to merit such severe treatment. The prick- 
ing may also bring on convulsions, and fatal consequences 



PARTURITION OR LABOR. 199 

might ensue. Exposing these little innocents to such tor- 
ments is a most barbarous practice, deserving the severest 
censure. Consider your own feelings. If the point of a 
pin merely rubs against your flesh, how anxious are you to 
have it removed ! The child is now to be dressed, and if 
the mother is awake it should be placed by her side, at 
once, as it will be a comfort and inspiration to her heart to 
gaze upon the innocent object of her suffering. 

Soon after the delivery of the placenta, the patient will 
usually complain of more or less pain, somewhat resembling 
labor pains. These pains are known as the after-pains. 
They are produced by an effort of the womb to return to 
its normal condition, and to expel its fluid contents, and 
should not be looked upon as a diseased condition of the 
organ. When these pains become severe, however, a little 
gentle anodyne medicine may be employed to break their 
intensity. A little of the syrup of poppies with a few drops 
of the solution of morphia, a few drops of laudanum in a 
little camphor water and simple syrup, Dover's powder, 
elixir paregoric, and Hoffman's anodyne liquor, are among 
the simple remedies which may be employed for this pur- 
pose. They should be given in small doses. If there be 
any irritability of the stomach, anodyne enemas should be 
preferred. Let the attention of the physician be especially 
directed to this matter before he leaves his patient. Let 
him also strictly enjoin upon the nurse not to allow the 
patient to rise from her bed to evacuate her bowels, or 
bladder ; and not to raise her head and shoulders for any 
purpose whatever till his next visit. The bed-pan must 



200 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

be used, and the food and drink of the patient must he 
taken in a recumbent posture, till the physician deems it 
prudent for her to be raised up. A disregard of these 
directions have often been followed by the most distressing 
and even fatal consequences. Let the physician also give 
the nurse very particular directions as to any appearance 
of flooding, that he may, at once, be summoned to the 
scene of danger. 

The diet of the patient, for two or three days, should 
consist chiefly, of liquid and farinaceous substances, such 
as tea of moderate strength ; gruels made of arrow-root, 
tapioca or flour; toast nicely prepared from crackers or 
stale bread; chicken broth made palatable, but not too 
highly seasoned ; an occasional soft boiled egg. etc. If 
everything goes well she can, in a few days, commence with 
the lighter meats, and gradually resume her ordinary diet 
of meats, vegetables, etc. 

The lochia! discharge should not be wholly overlooked 
by the medical attendant. This usually continues a num- 
ber of days, and then ceases ; but sometimes it will persist 
for weeks. At first, it is bloody ; after a day or two it 
presents a greenish hue, and afterwards becomes whitish, 
and finally disappears altogether. It may be too scanty, 
or it may be too profuse. In the former case, if the 
patient be plethoric, or of a nervous susceptibility, it may 
produce a great deal of disturbance, such as fever, head- 
ache, jactitation, and even convulsions; and an effort 
should be made to increase the discharge by warm emol- 
lient applications to the vulva. But if no constitutional 



PARTURITION OR LABOR, 201 

disturbance arises, no treatment will be necessary. When 
it is so profuse as to prostrate the patient, and lay the 
foundation of poor health in after life, it may be checked 
by such treatment as insure the firmer contractions of the 
womb. 

Upon his first visit after delivery, which should always 
be made in twelve or fourteen hours, the physician may 
find his patient's bladder distended without her ability to 
pass one drop of water ; or he may find that very little 
urine has been secreted, and that the bladder is nearly 
empty notwithstanding no urine has been passed. In the 
former case, the physician must draw off the water with 
the catheter according to the directions laid down in our 
text books. There should be no exposure of the patient. 
In the latter case, no interference may be necessary, or a 
little diuretic medicine may be given, according to the 
judgment of the physician. The bowels may also need 
some attention. In short, the physician should have his 
wits about him .at this visit, and make all necessary in- 
quiries that might have a bearing upon the health and 
comfort of the mother and child. 

When should the child be put to the breast ? This is a 
mooted question, but there are no just grounds for any 
difference of opinion among physicians. Our practice is to 
have the child put to the breast, as soon as the mother 
has got a little rest, and has somewhat recovered from the 
fatigue of the labor, say in a few hours. The child should 
be encouraged to take the nipple at this early period, even 
if there should be no milk in the breast, as the following 



202 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

objects are secured by it: — 1. The action of the child* s 
mouth upon the nipple invites the milk to the breasts. 
2. It insures the firmer contractions of the womb, such is 
the sympathy between that organ and the breasts. 

In the intestines of every new born infant there is a 
bjack viscid material called the meconium, which needs 
purging out, and the physic which nature has provided for 
this purpose, is contained in the first milk of the mother. 
This is called the colostrum. It is a prompt effectual 
purge suited to the constitution of the child, and thoroughly 
removes the meconium from its intestines. If the nipple 
should be so flat or sunken that the child cannot take it 
into its mouth, it can be brought out and elongated by the 
action of a breast pump ; or what, perhaps, is best, take a 
pint bottle and fill it with* hot water ; then pour out the 
water and immediately place its mouth over the nipple, 
and as the air within cools, a partial vacuum is formed, 
and tne suction produced is quite sufficient to draw out the 
nipple. Let the bottle then be removed, and the child ap- 
plied to the breast. The physician may find that the child 
is unable to take the nipple on account of a malformation 
of the frenum of the tongue. This consists in the frenum 
growing too near the apex of the tongue, and the child is 
said to be tongue-tied. It must be remedied by clipping 
through the membrane with a pair of scissors, being care- 
ful to direct their points a little downwards to avoid cut- 
ting the lingual artery. But if the child can obtain no 
milk from the breast, in a reasonable length of time, a 
little brown sugar dissolved in water, or molasses and 



PARTURITIC& OR LABOR. 203 

water, may be given in place of the colostrum of the 
mother's milk. This is usually sufficient to purge the 
child and remove the meconium ; or a little olive oil, say a 
teaspoonful, or four or five drops of castor oil, may be 
given. The best nourishment for the child, before it can 
be obtained from the mother, is cow's milk, boiled and 
somewhat diluted with water, taken ajways from a nursing 
bottle. 

If it should be necessary to bring up the child by the 
bottle it should be restricted to a diet made to resemble the 
mother's milk, as near as possible, for at least, two or 
three months ; and it should always be drawn through a 
teat fixed upon the mouth of the nursing bottle. After 
this period a small amount of oatmeal, arrow-root, or 
other farinaceous substances, may be mixed with the milk, 
and gradually increased as the child grows older. Of 
course, they should be boiled with the milk. A very good 
substitute for milk may be made as follows : Take a piece 
of gelatine two inches square, and add one pint of cold 
water, and allow it to soak for half an hour ; then add two 
teaspoonfuis of arrow-root, three tablespoonfuls of cow's 
milk, and two of good fresh cream, with a small lump of 
white sugar, and allow the whole to remain upon the fire 
till it gently boils. 

If a wet-nurse be employed, great caution must be used 
in making the selection. Her general health, habits, 
mode of living, etc. , should be inquired into ; her breasts 
should be full and plump, and her milk should have every 
appearance of purity and richness. The goat makes a 



204 # THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

good wet-nurse, and is much used abroad. This animal is 
very docile, very easily domesticated, and is said to form 
an attachment for its foster child. Gooch, an English 
author says, £ ' that the inhabitants of some villages abroad 
take in children to nurse; the goats, when called, trot 
away to the house, and each one goes to its child, who 
sucks with eagerness ; and the children thrive amazingly. ' ' 
We cannot close this chapter without saying a word or 
two as to the duty of mothers to nurse their own children. 
As before intimated, there may be circumstances making 
it necessary to provide for the babe in some other way. 
The mother's health may fail, she may have diseased 
breasts, her milk may be deficient in quantity or poor in 
quality, and unsuited for the child. But every healthy 
woman, whatever her station in life, should nurse her own 
child. 1. She furnishes her child the most natural nour- 
ishment, the most healthy and congenial food, to which it 
has a birth-right claim, and to deprive it of such a claim is 
inhuman and cruel. 2. By drawing away the natural se- 
cretions the danger of inflammation and ulceration of the 
breasts, with all their woeful consequences, is greatly 
lessened. 3. It prevents congestions of the abdominal 
and pelvic viscera, usually attendant upon labor, from 
bursting into frightful inflammatory diseases. It cannot be 
expected that such a violation of the humane provisions 
of nature will be unattended with bad consequences. If 
women are so situated that they cannot nurse their child- 
ren through the whole period of lactation without sub- 
mitting themselves to great inconveniences, they should, at 



, PARTURmOSf OR LABOR, iU*> 

least, submit to it for a few months before handing the 
little dependents over to the wet-nurse or the bottle. 

Ramsbotham, one of the most eminent obstetricians, 
speaking upon this subject, uses the following language : — 
11 Mothers should forego the pleasures of society, give up 
the necessity of appearing in public, and waive even the 
etiquette of court, if these pleasures or that etiquette in- 
terfere in any material degree with her duties to her infant. 
I cannot allow that a physician would be honestly and con- 
scientiously fulfilling the trust reposed in him, who did not 
even in the highest grade of society, point out the dangers 
that may spring from this most natural and engaging em- 
ployment being abandoned; and I would always think 
better of a woman's feelings, both towards her husband 
and her infant, who gave it the advantage of her own 
breast." 



206 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 



CHAPTER VII. 

DISEASES OF FEMALES. 

Falling of the womb and other uterine displacements — Their causes, 
symptoms, and treatment — Amenorrhea or retention and sup* 
pression of the menses — Causes of retention of the menses — Want 
of development, stricture of the neck of the womb, imperforate 
hymen, and chlorosis — The symptoms and treatment — The causes, 
symptoms, and treatment of suppression of the menses — Dysmen- 
orrhea or painful menstruation — Condition of the womb — Causes, 
treatment, etc. — Menorrhagia or profuse menstruation — Its terri- 
ble consequences — Its causes and treatment — Leucorrhoea or the 
whites — How it destroys the human face divine — The causes, 
treatment, etc. — Pruritus pudendi or excessive itching of the ex- 
ternal genital organs — May continue for life if left to itself — Its 
description, and the treatment recommended as infallible — Irri- 
table bladder — Painful desire to pass the water at short intervals 
— Its' horrible effects if left to itself — May continue for life — The 
infallible cure. 

A full and accurate description of the diseases peculiar 
to the female organization — their causes, symptoms, and 
treatment — would of itself require a volume of no mean 
dimensions, and could be of little advantage except to the 
student of medicine, and as a work of reference for the 
physician's library. We have, therefore, concluded to 
devote merely the present chapter to a brief description of 



DISEASES OF FEMALES. 207 

some of tlie principal diseases of the female sexual system. 
Every woman should have some knowledge of such dis- 
eases ; she will then be placed upon her guard against their 
approach, and be prepared to seek timely relief when made 
a sufferer, and, instead of months and years of disease, 
suffering, and melancholy, health and happiness may crown 
her future days. Know thyself] is one of the most im- 
portant precepts given to human beings. One of the 
most common of these disorders is, 

Prolapsus Uteri, or falling of the womb. This com- 
plaint, as its name purports, consists of a change in the 
position of the womb. The organ sinks down in the pelvis, 
and lies below its natural position. This may be very 
slight, or it may continue to descend, till it reaches the ex- 
ternal orifice of the vagina, or it may be forced through 
and hang between the thighs. 

Now, what are the causes of this distressing complaint? 
The womb is held in its place by its ligaments, the vagina, 
the bladder and rectum, and certain muscles lining the 
pelvis. But in the standing or sitting posture, the intes- 
tines above make a certain degree of pressure upon the 
womb almost constantly ; and in coughing, lifting, straining 
at stool, etc. , the descent of the diaphragm, and the action 
of the abdominal muscles, force the intestines down into 
the pelvis, and greatly increase this pressure. It is evi- 
dent, then, that when the vagina, uterine ligaments, etc. , 
lose their tenacity, and become so relaxed and feeble that 
they can no longer support the weight of the womb and 
the pressure above, the organ must sink lower down in the 



208 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 



pelvis. Anything, therefore, which relaxes these parts, 
or increases the pressure from above downwards, must be 
fruitful causes of prolapsus uteri. Hence, general poor 
health — the sexual organs partaking in the general debility 
of the system — diseases of the vagina and the womb ; 
leucorrhoeal discharges ; bad treatment during labor ; stand- 
ing upon the feet and exercising too early after delivery ; 
jumping and protracted dancing; relaxation of the ab- 
dominal muscles, allowing the intestines to descend lower 
into the pelvis, are among these causes. 

The symptoms will vary according to the degree of the 
descent of the womb. There is, at first, some uneasiness 
or dull pain across the small of the back, and a sense of 
weight in the lower part of the pelvis, increased by being 
long upon the feet, and by walking, running or otherwise 
exercising in the erect posture ; and these symptoms are, 
of course, relieved by rest in the recumbent posture. If 
the displacement continues to increase, these symptoms 
become more prominent, and others of a more serious 
character make their appearance to annoy and torment the 
patient. There will be pain in the groin, extending down 
the thighs, owing to the pressure of the womb upon the 
sacral nerves, and the sense of weight is sometimes so great 
that the patient feels as though everything would drop out 
of her. Owing to the pressure of the womb upon the 
bladder and bowel, there will be a frequent desire to make 
water and to evacuate the bowels. Sometimes the patient 
will be able to pass her water only in drops, at other times 
it will be necessary to draw it off with a catheter. Other 



DISEASES OF FEMALES. 209 

parts of the system become affected by sympathy. There 
may be headache, loss of appetite, distension of the 
stomach with flatus, palpitation of the heart, etc. , and the 
countenance will wear an expression of dejection and dis- 
tress, and the body will be a little inclined to the bending 
or stooping posture. 

The treatment of this disease admits of great variation, 
according to the extent of the prolapsus, the condition of 
other parts of the genital apparatus, and the general health 
of the patient. If the womb protrudes through the vulva, 
its replacement should be attempted by careful and perse- 
vering manipulation, which will always succeed unless ad- 
hesions have formed between the organ and the surround- 
ing parts. When replaced it must be held in its position, 
while other treatment is employed to palliate or entirely 
cure the infirmity. For this purpose various contrivances 
have been devised. Instruments called pessaries, are made 
of wood, ivory, glass, silver, vulcanized gutta-percha, co:k, 
etc. They are made of various sizes and forms ; and great 
care should be used by the physician in selecting one best 
adapted to his patient. It should be occasionally removeS 
to be cleaned. It may sometimes be removed on going to 
bed, and reintroduced in the morning before rising. 'Tonic 
and astringent injections, and injections of clear cold water, 
are often of great service when thoroughly employed ; but 
the common glass syringe is a miserable contrivance for 
this purpose, the patient usually doing more mischief than 
good with it. The vulcanized gutta-percha syringe, always 
on hand, and furnished for our patients at a reasonable ex- 
14 



210 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

pense, is the best that can be devised. It is so convenient, 
and so perfectly adapted to the parts, that in all cases of 
vaginal injections its use is a pleasure instead of a task. 
Galvanism has had some reputation in the treatment of this 
disease, and it will sometimes produce beneficial effects, but 
it usually fails altogether. When the abdominal walls are 
greatly relaxed, allowing the intestines to make an undue 
pressure upon the womb, some benefit may be derived from 
an abdominal supporter, if properly made and applied. 
• But no permanent benefits will be likely to follow any 
local treatment while the general health is bad and the 
system in a relaxed and debilitated condition; for the 
genital organs must continue to share in such relaxation. 
It is, therefore, the business of the medical man to make 
a thorough inquiry into the condition of his patient's 
general health, and ascertain what there is to be set at 
rights, and endeavor by the appliances of the varied re- 
sources of the materia medica, to give health, vigor, and 
tone to the system. By such combination of treatment 
the skillful physician will rarely fail to cure his patient. 

Another displacement of the womb is known by the 
name retro-version, which means the turning or falling 
back of the organ. This displacement is by no means so 
frequent as prolapsus. Like prolapsus it may occur in the 
virgin, and in the married woman who is not pregnant, but 
much oftener in the pregnant female. But in the latter case 
it must occur during the first four months of pregnancy, for 
after that time the womb is too large to undergo such dis- 
placement. There are many causes which may produce 



DISEASES OF FE31ALES. 211 

this accident, among which we may name a large pelvis, 
relaxed condition of the round ligaments, undue pressure 
of the small intestines against the front part of the fundus 
of the womb, and undue pressure upon its anterior part 
from any cause whatsoever. Hence an over distended 
bladder, during the first months of pregnancy, is one of 
the most frequent causes of this displacement. 

The most prominent symptoms are such as arise from 
pressure upon the bowel and bladder. The fundus of the 
womb falls backwards against the rectum, and, at the same 
time, the neck is tilted forwards against the bladder, in- 
terfering, more or less, both with defecation and urination. 
This accident sometimes takes place suddenly when women 
are travelling, or in other circumstances where it is*incon- 
venient to evacuate the bladder ; and they may not be able 
to pass their water till the organ is replaced. In such 
cases where medical aid could not be obtained, rupture of 
the bladder and the death of the patient have been the re- 
sult. The womb may be bent backwards in such a way that 
the neck will remain in situ. This is called retro-flexion. 

Another displacement of rare occurrence is called ante- 
version, which means turning or falling of the womb for- 
wards. This is just the reverse of retro-version, the 
fundus pressing against the bladder and the neck against 
the bowel. Both of these displacements, however, may 
exist without being sufficient to interfere with the bowel or 
bladder. The womb may be bent upon itself so that the 
fundus will fall forwards while the neck remains in situ, 
This is called ante-flexion. 



212 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

We have no space in this book for further description 
of these infirmities ; but will merely add that such patients 
should lose no time in placing themselves in the hands of a 
competent physician; and should carefully and perse- 
veringly follow his directions. Delay, in such cases, not 
only adds to the suffering of the patient, and destroys her 
general health, but renders a permanent cure more difficult 
and protracted, and sometimes impossible. 

Amenorrhea literally signifies an absence of the menses, 
and includes both their retention and suppression, the 
former term being used to denote that condition of the 
system in which the function does not appear at the usual 
age and development of the female ; the latter that condi- 
tion in which, after the menses have been established, 
from some cause or other they are suddenly arrested. The 
term cessation of the menses more properly applies to their 
absence during pregnancy, lactation, and at the turn of life 
when the child-bearing period ceases. 

The absence of the menses at the usual age for their 
appearance may depend upon defective physical develop- 
ment, mechanical obstruction, or derangement of the 
general health. 

1. Defective physical development ! The ovaries are in- 
timately connected with the menstrual function. If they 
are extirpated, menstruation, as well as child-bearing, 
ceases, and if they are not sufficiently developed at the 
usual age of puberty, menstruation must be, delayed till 
such development is attained; and this is an important 
point in practice. The mother is alarmed about her child 



DISEASES OP FEMALES. 213 

because she does not have her courses at the usual age of 
puberty, and she seeks the advice of a medical man. If 
an experienced man he can usually tell, almost at a glance, 
whether the absence of the function depends upon any 
want of physical development. For at puberty an im- 
portant change takes place in the physical appearance of 
the girl. Her chest is more expanded, her breasts are 
fuller, and her hips are broader, and there is a general 
fullness and embonpoint, which always mark the change 
from childhood to womanhood. These changes depend 
upon the growth and development of the ovaries, and if 
they are well marked the girl ought to menstruate ; if not, 
she is still a child, and no medicine should be given to 
force the menses. Such practice, we are aware, is com- 
mon, but it is the worst kind of malpractice. You might 
as well give medicines to force the testes to secrete semen 
before puberty, or to force a child to walk before the time. 
If such patient's general health be good — which, however, 
rarely happens—the only thing to be done is to avoid all 
depressing agents, such as foul air, close confinement to 
hot rooms, sedentary habits, etc., and adopt a generous 
diet, take plenty of exercise in the open air, tepid baths 
if convenient, and, perhaps, a little pleasant tonic beverage. 
Such a course will favor a more rapid development of the 
physical system. But there is no use in trying to force 
the menstrual function till such development is reached. 

2. Mechanical obstruction ! This cause is about as in- 
frequent as the former, but it sometimes exists, and, un- 
less removed by the medical art, is certain to prove fatal 



214 THE SEXUAL SYS^M. 

There may be a stricture of the neck of the womb, or a 
congenital closure of the mouth of the womb, or, what is 
more frequent, an imperforate hymen entirely closing the 
external orifice of the vagina. Either of these obstructions 
would, of course, prevent the blood from escaping exter- 
nally, which must be retained in the vagina or the womb 
&3 the case may be, greatly distending those organs and 
producing painful and fatal results if allowed to continue. 
A cure can usually be effected by an operation. If the 
obstruction arises from an imperforate hymen, the opera- 
tion is very simple, and is attended with no danger and no 
pain worth noticing, for a simple incision made through 
the membrane, removes the obstruction, and allows the 
pent up materials to escape. The operation for occlusion 
of the mouth, or stricture of the neck of the womb, is more 
difficult, but not insurmountable. 

We should not forget to observe that the pressure of 
such retained menstrual fluid may so enlarge the womb, as 
to simulate pregnancy. Many a virtuous girl has been 
suspected of imprudence, and had her character maligned 
and blasted from this cause. A thousand tongues are 
always busy in giving currency to such rumors ; and it is 
the duty of the physician to protect and fortify the char- 
acter of his patient, under such trying circumstances ; for 
character, especially in the female, is without price ; it is 
the aegis of her existence, without which, she is nothing, 
with which, she is an angel of light, a queen, a potentate. 

3. Derangement of the general health ! This is peculiar, 
and known by medical men as chlorosis, but more fre- 



DISEASES OF FEMALES. 215 

quently spoken of by nurses, as the green sickness. It is 
in some way associated with the uterine function ; and it is 
common for young girls, about the age of puberty, and for 
those who have menstruated, but in whom the function is 
much disturbed and irregular, to show signs of this disease. 
It may be very slight, but it is often very severe in cases of 
total retention. Both the nervous and vascular system are 
deranged, and the blood is viciated and watery, and the 
symptoms arising from such a condition may be enumer- 
ated as follows : — 

Pallor of the surface of the body, not unfrequently as- 
suming a greenish or yellowish hue, is one of the most 
constant symptoms. In some parts of the countenance, 
such as the eyes, nose, and lips, this is more marked than 
in others, giving the pallor its peculiar characteristic, 
The digestive functions are usually much impaired, there is 
loss of appetite sometimes amounting to a loathing of the 
ordinary articles of food, and a longing for unnatural sub- 
stance ; the tongue is covered with a white fur, and the 
bowels are usually constipated. The debility is seen in the 
general lassitude, aversion to exercise, the yawning, loung- 
ing, indolent ways ; swelled face in the morning, and swelled 
ankles at night. The disturbance of the nervous system is 
seen in the headache, palpitation of the heart, irregular 
pulse, restless nights, and, perhaps, hysterical fits. A 
hacking cough, dull pains in the back, loins, and hips, 
\ with a dragging sensation, are quite common. In short, 
all the functions of the system may be disturbed. 

In the treatment of this disease attention to the digestive 



216 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

System is of primary importance ; for unless the patient can 
appropriate a reasonable amount of nutritious food, she can- 
not be restored to health. If the bowels are constipated, a 
good brisk purge should first be given, which will have a 
healthful influence upon all the functions of the system. 
This will do more than all other remedies to create an 
appetite and set in motion the functions of the digestive 
system. Afterwards, if there should be a tendency to 
costiveness, a little aperient medicine, such as castor oil, 
rhubarb and magnesia, the antibilious pill, etc., may occa- 
sionally be administered. It should be given in very small 
doses at night, to produce a movement of the bowels in 
the morning. One free movement of the bowels in twenty- 
four hours is usually sufficient, and the dose shoujd be no 
larger than is necessary to produce that effect. The ferru- 
ginous preparations, or blood-making remedies as they are 
very properly called, are indispensable in the successful 
treatment of this disease. They not only improve the con- 
dition of the blood, and give tone and strength to the 
general system, but they increase the appetite and the 
digestive powers, by the healthful and invigorating influ- 
ence which they exert upon all the digestive organs. 
Such preparations should always be given after meals, as 
they will then be thoroughly incorporated with the ingesta, 
and more readily pass into the circulation. Great atten- 
tion should be given to the diet, which should be nutritious, 
but not difficult of digestion. Exercise in the open air, 
and general hygiene, should also receive proper attention. 
Under such a course of treatment, prescribed and superin- 



DISEASES OP FEMALES. 217 

tended by a skillful physician, the blood will be enriched, 
the digestive organs will be set at rights, the nervous 
system will assume its normal tone, the patient will grow . 
strong, vigorous, and cheerful, and feel that she has been 
translated into a new world of thought and action. 

But the menstrual function may have been established 
for months, or years, and by certain causes operating at the 
time of the menstrual flow it may be suddenly arrested, 
or if these causes operate just before the monthly period 
the return of the menses at the usual time may be pre- 
vented. Such arrests are known as the suppression of the 

menses. 

« 
One of the most common causes of such suppressions, is 

insufficient clothing, and a reckless exposure in cold, wet 
weather. A woman in thin soled shoes, or with other parts 
of her body insufficiently protected — a very common cause 
in this country — goes into the snowy streets ; or she puts on 
damp clothes, or sits upon the damp ground, or in some 
other way gets wet and chilled, and suppression of the 
courses is the immediate consequence. Strong mental 
emotions are another fruitful cause. A female gets alarmed 
by a storm at sea, by fire upon the land, by sudden danger 
in traveling ; or she unexpectedly hears of the death of a 
friend, or meets with sudden disappointment, or some joy- 
ful news bursts suddenly upon her, and her menses are at 
once suppressed. Suppression may also result from the 
prostrating effects of many diseases, such as consumption, 
scrofula, anaemia, chronic liver diseases, fevers, etc., etc. 
The symptoms vary according to the constitution of the 



218 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

patient, and the time the suppression continues. With 
gome there is slight headache, a sense of weight about the 
pelvis, and more or less pain in the back, and loins, and, 
perhaps, some dizziness when stooping down or bending 
forward, etc. In other cases, these symptoms will be 
greatly aggravated. There will be a feeling of heaviness or 
pain in the head ; the veins of the forehead will be promi- 
nent and throbbing ; the face flushed ; the skin hot ; the 
pulse frequent and bounding ; and there may be congestion 
or even inflammation of the womb. There may also be 
vertigo, hysteria, and sometimes epilepsy. The pain and 
weight about the lower part of the body may become very 
severe. From this condition of the system nature some- 
times attempts to relieve herself by eliminating blood from 
various other organs, such as the lungs, the stomach, the 
bowels, the nose, etc. , termed vicarious menstruation. 

If such suppressions are allowed to continue, the powers 
of the system will be prostrated and enfeebled, and con- 
sumption will be induced, or in some other way the dis- 
order will have a fatal termination. 

, Sometimes the discharge will not cease immediately, but 
at each monthly period will become less in quantity, and 
lighter in color, generally preceded and followed by leucor- 
rhoeal discharges. 

In the treatment of this disease, the patient should be 
immersed in a warm bath, as soon as possible after the 
suppression, and kept there till the system is completely 
relaxed, say twenty minutes or half an hour. If this can- 
not be done, a good alcoholic sweat is the next best thing. 



DISEASES OF FEMALES. 219 

Place the patient in a cane-bottomed chair, surrounding 
her with a quilt extending from her neck to the floor ; then 
pour a little alcohol into a common saucer, and having 
placed it under the chair, set it on fire, and in a few mo- 
ments the patient will be in a copious perspiration. This 
is more efficient than the common practice of placing the 
feet in a bucket of warm water, and rubbing the legs with 
ground mustard. In the mean time some hot tea made 
of one of the aromatic herbs, the pennyroyal being the 
best, may be freely drank ; or a little hot gin and water 
sweetened with sugar may be given, especially if the patient 
can't bear it ; but if it is really pleasing to her, it might be 
flavored with a little assafetida or other disagreeable sub- 
stance. Such beverages increase all the secretions, and, 
therefore, act favorably upon the menstrual function. A 
dose of aloes, or aloes and myrrh, should also be given, 
especially if the patient's bowels are at all confined. 

The above means will often be sufficient to re-establish 
the discharge, but they will sometimes fail, and the patient 
may be obliged to wait till the next menstrual period. In 
such cases, the treatment should be commenced a few days 
before the next period, and continued beyond that time, unless 
the object is sooner attained. The bowels should be freely 
moved and kept in a soluble condition, and unless the 
patient is badly troubled with piles, one of the best emmena- 
gogues is the aloe tic and iron pill of the U. S. Dispensatory. 
From one to three of these may be taken every day. It 
should be borne in mind that the menses are more easily 
re-established at the menstrual period, than at any other 



220 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

time ; but the question of allowing the patient to pass over 
to the next period, before resorting to active treatment 
can be decided only by the experienced physician; and 
this leads us to remark, that in all difficult cases the ser- 
vices of a skillful physician are of great importance. It is 
his business to understand the cause of the obstruction, 
the condition of the womb and general system, and to base 
a proper treatment upon such knowledge. 

Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is a dis- 
tressing complaint to which all females are liable, but the 
unmarried are the greatest sufferers, and marriage very 
often acts like a charm in the cure of the patient. The usual 
symptoms are severe bearing down pains in the region of 
the uterus, sometimes so very distressing as to resemble 
labor pains ; dull pain across the small of the back, in the 
loins, and lower extremities, and shooting pains in the 
breasts, with a sense of fullness and tightness in the head. 
These symptoms usually precede the discharge some few 
hours; but as the discharge becomes established they 
gradually diminish and cease altogether. The pains are 
sometimes so severe that nervous females faint, or go off 
into hysterical fits, producing great alarm for their safety, 
and a speedy dispatch for the doctor. 

This condition of the uterine function may depend upon 
various causes. 1. Congestion of the blood-vessels of the 
uterus, causing an exudation of coagulable lymph which 
organizes into false or pseudo-membranes similar to the 
membranous formations in croup. When this exists shreds 
or flakes of this coagulable lymph will come away with the 



DISEASES OF FEMALES. 221 

discharges, producing the most violent pains in its separa- 
tion and expulsion. 2. The pain may be entirely func- 
tional, depending upon a feeble, nervous, irritable constitu- 
tion. This, we think, is a very common form of dys- 
menorrhoea. 3. Stricture of the neck of the womb, form- 
ing an obstruction to the free passage of the menstrual 
fluid, is another cause which has somewhat attracted the 
attention of the profession within the last qfuarter of a 
century. Now the above are the principal causes, or 
varieties, of dysmenorrhoea ; but it should be remembered 
that uterine pains may be produced by various organic 
diseases of the womb, tumors, etc., all of which must be 
distinguished by the physician from true dysmenorrhea. 

But what are the general principles of treatment in such 
cases? As a mere palliation, or temporary relief, when the 
patient feels the pains coming upon her she should take a 
warm hip bath, and remain in it for some time, being 
careful to keep the other parts of the body well covered. 
The bath should be as warm as can well be borne, and 
kept so by the frequent additions of hot water. The 
patient should then take her bed, and a hot brick shoidd 
be placed to the lower part of her back, and flannels wrung 
out of hot water should be frequently applied to the lower 
part of the abdomen and the vulva. An anodyne may 
also be given, such as Dover's Powder, Hoffman's Ano- 
dyne Liquor, or Elixir Paregoric in a little sweetened water. 
Any of these preparations are better for such purposes 
than Laudanum, Morphine, or the powdered opium, as 
they do not arrest the natural secretions. Relief may also 



222 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

be obtained by throwing very warm water up the vagina 
with a properly constructed syringe. 

But a permanent cure is the sine qua non, to effect which 
a well digested course of treatment, founded upon the true 
pathology of the disease, must be kept up during the in- 
tervals, and at the time of the menstrual courses. The 
first thing, therefore, which the physician endeavors to 
ascertain is the true cause of the pains. Do they depend 
upon congestion of the womb ? if so, the principal treat- 
ment must be founded upon that condition of the organ, 
and will be readily marked out by the intelligent physician. 
Are they the result of some functional derangement of the 
organ depending upon a nervous, irritable condition of the 
system? if so, another, and entirely different, treatment 
must be adopted and continued till a favorable result is 
reached. Do they depend upon stricture of the neck of 
the womb ? if so, the obstruction to the free passage of 
the menstrual fluid must be overcome by the process of 
dilatation. In addition to the treatment founded upon 
such knowledge, there are certain reputed specifics, which 
the physician may employ from time to time with the 
happiest results; such, at least, has been the experience 
of the writer. 

One word about stricture of the neck of the womb as 
the cause of dysmenorrhcea ! When this exists a silver 
sound, properly curved, highly polished, and well oiled, 
should be used to overcome the obstruction. If not too 
large it can be introduced into the womb by a skillful 
manipulator, without producing any pain or uneasiness. 



DISEASES OF FEMALES. 223 

It may be introduced even* two or three days till the ob- 
struction is removed. Of course, this should never be 
attempted by any except a physician skilled in this depart- 
ment of medicine. But when no obstruction exists, and 
when the dysnienorrhoea is a mere functional derangement, 
the presence of the uterine sound is often followed by the 
most salutary results. Its occasional introduction act£ as 
a peculiar stimulus to the organ, tending to restore its natu- 
ral and healthy function. This practice in the hands of the 
writer has been highly successful ; but it cannot be recom- 
mended without due regard to propriety and the fitness of 
the patient. When, however, the patient has passed from 
her virgin condition, and other means are but partially suc- 
cessful, this practice is proper and necessary. 

Menorrhagia, or Profuse Menstruation, signifies 
an excessive loss of blood at the menstrual periods. The 
discharge is sometimes too rapid, or, it is prolonged be- 
yond the natural or accustomed time, or both of these con- 
ditions may exist ; and in some cases the discharge returns 
more frequently than natural. All menstruating females 
are subject to this disorder, and the drain of blood from the 
system is not unfrequently so great as to endanger the 
health and even life of the patient without the prompt and 
judicious interference of the medical art. Uterine hemor- 
rhages depending upon various diseases of the womb, mis- 
carriages, abortions, delivery, etc., should not be con- 
founded with menorrhagia, though various diseases of the 
organ may furnish outlets for menorrhagic discharges at 
the return of the menstrual effort, bleeding being forced at 



224 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

that time, which would take place very slightly or not at 
all at other times. 

These discharges depend upon various causes, and when 
they once occur they more easily make their appearance at 
subsequent menstrual periods. 

1. The excessive force of the heart's action, in a pie- 
thorjc female, may be sufficient to overcome the resistance 
of the distal extremities of the blood-vessels of the' womb, 
and a* discharge may take place, which, if continued at 
subsequent menstrual periods, will change the female of 
full habit, bounding pulse, and rosy cheeks, into a feeble, 
anaemic, melancholy woman, prematurely old, and dead to 
the enjoyments of life. 

2. A feeble, debilitated condition of the general system, 
depending upon fevers, scrofula, syphilis, or any other 
causes, is a fruitful source of menorrhagic discharges. In 
such cases all the tissues of the body are relaxed, the womb, 
of course, partaking of this general relaxation. The blood 
is also vitiated, and watery, and easily percolates or oozes 
through the blood-vessels, or, to use Professor Meigs* 
language, it c c soaks through. ' ' This condition of the gene- 
ral system will also be produced by menorrhagic discharges, 
so that what is often the cause is sometimes the result of 
menorrhagia. 

T 3. There may be a feeble passive condition of the blood- 
vessels of the uterus, not depending upon general debility 
or any other derangement of the general system. For 
menorrhagia very often appears in females whose general 
health. is in a sound condition, there being neither pie- 



DISEASES OF FEMALE^. 225 

thora, nor anaemia, the heart beating neither too forcibly 
nor too feebly. In such cases, therefore, the disorder is 
of a local character, being confined to the womb itself. 

4. Abnormal growths within the cavity of the womb, 
tumors of various kinds, especially polypus, may give rise 
to menorrhagic discharges. If, however, the bleeding 
observes no regular period, but takes place at any time ; or 
if it come from the tumor itself, it would be improper to 
call it menorrhagia. But such growths, acting as foreign 
bodies, sometimes create very great irritation of the organ 
and give rise to an excessive discharge of blood from the 
uterine surface, during the menstrual nisus ; and under the 
game influence the discharge may be continued beyond the 
ordinary period. This would be a true menorrhagic dis- 
charge. 

The profuse periodical discharge of blood from the 
vagina, is the obvious symptom or sign by which we know 
that menorrhagia exists. The other symptoms may be 
summed up in a few words.- As we have already intimated, 
there will be general poor health, debility, anaemia, and all 
the functional derangements resulting from the excessive 
loss of blood. There will be weakness, and, perhaps, pain 
in the back, extending to the hips and thighs ; headache 
and neuralgic pains in the face; pains in the stomach, 
flatulent bowels, and sometimes an obstinate diarrhoea ; and 
as the disease progresses, melancholy, fainting fits, and 
even epilepsy may occur. 

The general principles of treatment may be briefly stated 
as follows : — When the patient has lost as much blood a$ 



226 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

may be deemed proper, considering her general health, 
and the amount she loses at her menstrual periods when 
the function is in a healthy condition, she should take her 
bed, or, at least, maintain the recumbent posture, and 
cloths wet with cold water and vinegar should be applied 
to her abdomen, and also placed under the small of her 
back. This simple means will often be sufficient to check 
the flow ; but if not, more efficient means must be em- 
ployed. The cold douche may be used upon the lower 
part of the abdomen ; and cold water thrown up the bowel 
occasionally is often a very prompt means of arresting the 
discharge. Various astringent and specific medicines may 
be employed, such as acetate of lead rubbed up with a 
little powdered opium ; or, if the opium is contra-indicated, 
it may be rubbed up with a little powdered nutmeg, or 
other aromatic powder ; gallic or tannic acid may be given 
in five or ten grain doses in a little syrup or sweetened 
water; or the dilute sulphuric or muriatic acid may be 
given sufficiently diluted with sweetened water, or some 
other vehicle more agreeable to the palate. All these 
agents have proved highly serviceable in the hands of the 
author. But there is another remedy, which our expe- 
rience has taught us to place at the head of the list ; we 
mean the secale cornutum, commonly called ergot. This 
has a specific action upon the womb, condenses its bulk 
and contracts and tightens the blood-vessels, thus checking, 
or entirely shutting off the discharge of blood. The freshly 
powdered ergot may be obtained, and given in small tea- 
spoonful doses, in a little syrup, or cinnamon-water, or 



DISEASES OP FEMALES. 227 

in any simple vehicle that is convenient ; or the wine of 
ergot may be used instead of the powder. Three or four 
doses may be given during the day or night if necessary. 
It is not an unsafe remedy. 

But occasionally the physician will meet with obstinate 
cases, which will steadily resist all such treatment, and then 
he will be obliged to resort to another means that never 
can fail if properly and thoroughly employed. We mean 
the tampoon, or plugging the vagina. Old linen or muslin 
cloths will answer the purpose. First, tear off a few 
pieces four or five inches square, and put them up to the 
womb, thoroughly and firmly impacting them around and 
upon the neck and mouth; then larger pieces must be 
crowded in upon them till the vagina will hold no more. 
Next a napkin should be firmly applied to keep the stuffing 
from falling out. If this is thoroughly done it will require 
no small amount of rags, and if not thoroughly done it 
can accomplish no good, but rather harm. We have some- 
times used the larger part of an old shirt for this purpose. 
The physician may prefer to use sponges, which will answer 
just as well, but, in my opinion, no better. In either case 
small pieces must be well impacted about the mouth of the 
womb before crowding the vagina full. The unimpreg- 
nated womb is small ; its cavity can hardly hold more than 
an ounce or two, even in women who have borne children, 
and in the virgin not more than a few drams. When, 
therefore, it is completely filled the pressure of the blood 
upon the extremities of the blood-vessels arrests its further 
escape. Therefore the tampoon must be thoroughly ap- 



228 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

t 

plied, as we have pointed out, to prevent the escape of the 
blood from the womb into the vagina. It is well enough 
to remark, in passing, that the same rules will not apply in 
the use of the tampoon to arrest flooding after delivery, at 
full term, as the cavity of the womb is then so large that 
death might take place from internal hemorrhage. 

The well educated physician will, of coufse, exhaust 
every other means before resorting to the tampoon in the 
virgin ; but when her life, or even her health,' is likely to 
be endangered he is recreant to his duty if he does not 
promptly resort to this infallible means of arresting the flow. 

During the intervals of such periodical discharges, the 
attention of the physician must be directed to the condi- 
tion of the womb and the general system, upon which he 
must base a successful treatment. If the discharge de- 
pend upon polypus, or some other growth within the 
womb, surgical aid will be demanded; if upon the im- 
moderate and excessive force of the hearths action — a cause 
by no means common — means can be employed to correct 
that trouble; if the original trouble seems to be in the 
womb itself, whatever there is in the medical art to pro- 
duce the proper density and tonicity of that organ should 
be most assiduously employed ; and if the general health 
is at fault, either as the original cause or as the result of 
the loss of blood, it must be restored and fortified by a 
thorough course of tonic treatment; at the same time 
paying special attention to the condition of the bowels and 
all the organs of the digestive system. The best tonics 
for guch purposes are the barks and their preparations, 



DISEASES OF FEMALES. 229 

and some of the preparations of iron, such as Vallet's 
ferruginous pill, iron by hydrogen, the muriated tincture 
of iron, or the precipitated carbonate of- iron rubbed up 
with a little balsam of tolu, gum arabic", and syrup, diluted 
by gradually stirring into it cinnamon water or other 
agreeable vehicle, to be thoroughly shaken before taken, as 
the iron quickly subsides to the bottom. The patient 
should also have a generous meat diet ; and in pleasant 
weather she should take as much exercise in the open air 
as her strength will admit without fatigue ; also cold, tepid, 
astringent, or saline baths may be employed to some ad- 
vantage. 

Leucorrhcea, Fluor Albus, or the Whites.-— This 
disorder is characterized by a bloodless discharge from the 
vagina which is usually white, and hence commonly called 
the whites. . But sometimes it is green, yellow, or brownish. 
In consequence of its weakening effects upon the system, 
it is also spoken of as female weakness. This is a very 
common disorder among females. It is also a very dis- 
agreeable, loathsome, and annoying complaint, and if 
allowed to continue will sap away the very foundation of 
the system, and entail upon the female a broken down con- 
stitution, premature old age, and an untimely death. 

Among the causes of leucorrhcea, we may first name such 
disorders as produce an irritation and consequent enfeebled 
condition of the vagina and womb, such as warty excres- 
cences of the vagina or external parts ; pruritus pudendi or 
excessive itching of the vulva ; piles, and thread worms in 
the lower bowel ; induration or ulceration of the os uteri ; 



230 THE SEXUAL SY8TEM. 

or any sort of diseases of the vagina or the womb. In 
some women the menstrual period is. always preceded by a 
slight mucous discharge from the vagina, and sometimes 
terminated in the same way. During pregnancy, especially 
the last months, such discharges are so common that they 
attract little attention, being usually the result of an en- 
largement of the mucous follicles of the neck of the womb. 
And at that period of life when the menses cease altogether, 
they will sometimes be followed by a light colored discharge, 
more or less periodical in its return, which, without judi- 
cious treatment, may continue for years. 

When the discharge is muco-purulent, that is, a mixture 
of mucus and pus, there must be some chronic inflamma- 
tory action of the vagina or uterus ; for pus can be pro- 
duced only by inflammation. But discharges depending 
upon some functional derangement of these organs, or 
upon some derangement of the general health, accompanied 
by debility, relaxation, and nervous disturbance of the sys- 
tem, the sexual organs partaking of such general distur- 
bance, are the most frequent, persistent, and destructive 
causes. Such discharges are white, or of a very light color 
at first, but if the disorder continue for a considerable time 
they may gradually become greenish, or of a dirty brownish 
hue. 

This discharge may proceed from the vagina, or from 
the uterus, or from both ; and in practice it is sometimes 
important to distinguish between these conditions. For 
this purpose we have three prominent means of diag- 
nosis : — , 



DISEASES OF FEMALES. 231 

1. In the severe forms of the disease, attended by con- 
stitutional derangement, we infer that the discharge comes 
from the uterus, as the sympathy between that organ and 
other parts of the system is very intimate ; but in those 
more trifling forms, in which the general health does not 
suffer materially, we suppose the fault to be in the vagina, 
as the sympathetic connection between that organ and 
other parts of the constitution is by no means so great. 

2. From the character of the discharge ! When it comes 
from the uterus it is found to be thick, and jelly-like, it 
will feel sticky to the fingers, and if placed under the 
microscope it will be seen to contain mucous globules; 
whereas, the discharge from the vagina is thin, opake, and 
creamy, and the microscope detects a substance called 
epithelial ceils, which comes from the mucous lining of the 
vagina. ' 

3. By the use of the speculum! For this purpose a 
bi-valve speculum, or one with a fenestrum, or an opening 
in the side, should be used to bring into view not only the 
mouth of the womb, but also a portion of the vagina. The 
vagina should first be thoroughly washed out by throwing 
tepid, or warm water up to the mouth of the womb with 
a good vaginal syringe, and then the speculum should be 
introduced. By this means the matter will be seen to 
collect upon the vaginal surface, or to ooze from the mouth 
of the womb, or both, as the case may be. Such means 
of diagnosis, however, should be recommended with great 
caution, and is seldom necessary or profitable in the man- 
agement of these cases. 



232 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

In all bad cases, the general health, as already intimated, 
severely suffers. There will be debility and relaxation of 
, all the tissues of the body, indicated by the soft, flabby 
condition of the flesh; and there will be anaemia, or a 
viciated and watery condition of the blood, and a sense 
of lassitude or weariness as though the patient had over- 
worked herself, though she may have done little but to 
lounge about, yawning, sneezing, and coughing, upon ex- 
posure to the slightest draft of air. The digestive system 
is more or less deranged; and, at times, there may be 
nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite ; palpitation of "the 
heart, and short breathing ; dirty tongue, and weak irri- 
table pulse; dull pains in the back and loins; and a 
weary dragging sensation in the left side, and pain in the 
head. 

This disorder is a greet destroyer of the ' ' human face 
divine. ' ' Sooner or later the complexion assumes a pale, 
sallow appearance, quite peculiar to this disease, and re- 
pulsive to look upon, however beautiful the general out- 
lines of the features. When well marked, the physician is 
seldom at a loss to understand its true cause. Also, the 
loose tissues under the eyes assume a brownish leaden 
color ; but this symptom may be produced by other causes, 
such as menorrhagia, anaemia, chlorosis, etc. ; • and a 
bluish circle about the eyes, more or less marked, is present 
during the menstrual flow. 

These acrid discharges often produce abrasions of the 
mouth and neck of the womb in the form of red inflamed 
patches, which, as the disease advances are converted into 



DISEASES OF FEMALES. 235 

ulcerating sores. From the same cause the lining coat of 
the membrane of the vagina will sometimes peel off in 
various portions of its extent, producing much suffering in 
walking, during the menstrual flow, etc. 

The general treatment for this disease may be stated as 
follows : — First, the physician should ascertain, if possible, 
the real cause of the discharge, and then mark out his 
treatment in accordance with such knowledge. If it de- 
pend upon any organic disease, such as we have already 
named, that disease must be cured as speedily as possible, 
and" then the discharge will usually disappear ; but once 
established it will sometimes continue after the original 
cause is removed, and other treatment must be employed 
to effect a perfect cure. 

But when the disorder depends upon some functional 
derangement of the uterus, and the general system is in- 
volved in the trouble, the treatment must be both local 
and general. If the discharge comes from the womb, or 
if the nervous system is much disturbed, some advantage 
may be derived from counter-irritation over the spine. 
Great attention must be given to the general health, which, 
in all serious cases, is more or less at fault, either as the 
original cause, or as the result of the disease. A thorough, 
judicious, and carefully selected tonic treatment must be 
prescribed. The acids, preparations of bark, and the 
ferruginous preparations, are the most efficient when 
properly selected. Iron, in some form, should always be 
employed, as it improves the digestion, and increases the 
red corpuscles of the blood, which are deficient in this 



234 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

disease. A generous meat diet, exercise in the open air, 
and an occasional bath suited to the condition of the patient, 
will complete the tonic part of the treatment. 

Astringent injections should never be omitted, for when 
properly and thoroughly employed they are very efficient 
in arresting the discharge. Sulphate of zinc, acetate of 
lead, or the liquor plumbi subacetatis largely diluted with 
water, tannic acid and alum, and bicarbonate of potash or 
soda, the aromatic wines, and the tincture of iodine suffi- 
ciently diluted with water, are some of the substances 
from which to make a selection. Anodyne injections may 
sometimes be used when the parts are painful. These in- 
jections are not thrown into the womb, but against the 
lower part of the organ ; and their influence is transmitted, 
in a greater or less degree, through the entire organ. Not 
only the vagina, therefore, but the womb itself is brought 
under the healing influence of these injections when pro- 
perly employed. 

The patient should be furnished with a suitable syringe 
— the vulcanized gutta-percha syringe kept in our office, 
and furnished our patients at a reasonable price, being the 
very best that can be invented. They have the advantage 
of never getting out of order; and in addition to the 
ordinary sized pipe, there is a smaller one which can be 
used when the parts are irritable, painful, or sore. 

In addition to the above treatment, there are certain 
remedies which often exert a specific influence upon this 
disease, though their modus operandi cannot be satis- 
factorily explained. Such are some of the essential oils, 



• DISEASES OF FEMALES. 235 

balsams, etc. , of which the physician can make trial when 
other means are but partially successful. 

Pruritus pudexdi literally signifies itching of the pu- 
dendum, or the ext#nal genital organs of the female. It 
is often confined to the vulva, or space between the lips of 
the pudendum, but we have sometimes found it extending 
into the vagina, urethra, and over the perineum and anus. 
It may occur at any period of life, but especially at 
puberty, during pregnancy, after delivery, and at the final 
cessation of the menstrual function. 

The characteristic symptom of this disorder, as the name 
implies, is itching, which may vary in intensity, but it is 
usually very distressing. The suffering is far worse than 
any kind of pain, greatly disturbing the patient's rest, and 
at times driving her almost frantic; and, to add to the 
misery of the unfortunate victim, it is sometimes accom- 
panied with a burning or prickling sensation, and the in- 
clination to rub and scratch the, parts becomes irresistible, 
bidding defiance even to the restraints of delicacy. And 
the scratching can only afford temporary gratification, and 
always aggravates the complaint, of which patients are 
fully sensible, still they can hardly resist the temptation. 
They will sometimes leave their work or their company to 
indulge in this fantastic, defiant sort of gratification, a 
gratification mingled with suffering, and entailing misery 
upon the unhappy victim. To reason with such a patient 
is out of the question, for she has not always the power to 
restrain herself; she will rub and scratch most defiantly 
whatever the consequences. 



236 THE SEXUAL STSTEM. 

We have known females suffering from this disorder to 
retire, in a great measure, from company, and give them- 
selves up to solitude and melancholy, which in itself would 
add to the severity and persistence of the complaint. The 
temper of such women will sometimes undergo a great 
change. The most agreeable, courteous, and entertaining 
may become so fractious, irritable, and discourteous as to 
poison the minds of all around them and keep their whole 
household in a state of tumult. 

This disorder is often associated with furor uterinus, as 
some authors term it, which means an excessive and un- 
conquerable desire for venereal indulgence. Ladies of the 
most undoubted virtue in seeking relief from this disorder 
have confessed that their lascivious impulses were irre* 
eistible, and that they could not look upon men without 
experiencing those sensations which were alone the right 
of their husbands. This feeling is sometimes so over- 
powering as to produce insanity, and it is then called 
nymphomania. A very remarkable case of venereal furor 
came under our notice when practicing medicine in New 
York. The patient, a very excellent lady, sought relief 
at our hands. Upon hearing the case we advised an ex- 
amination, to which she acceded. There was no inflam- 
mation, pain, or soreness of the parts, but upon attempting 
the examination she began to tremble, and soon passed 
into hysterical paroxysms, as the result of the sexual pas- 
sion produced by the touch of the finger. But the reader 
must not suppose that such passion is always associated 
with pruritus pudendi. On the other hand the ordinary 



DISEASES OP FEMALES. 237 

Bexual excitement is often destroyed, in a measure, by the 
existence of this disorder. 

But pruritus is not limited to the sexual organs of the 
female. Men are liable to the same disorder, which may 
exist in every degree of intensity, their sufferings some* 
times being very great. But in men it is more endurable 
' than in women, as the former are not so much under the 
restraints of delicacy, some of them being very bold in the 
freedom with which they resort to that little operation 
called scratching. Some men have this disorder as long as 
they live, preferring to doctor themselves or to resort to 
the nostrums of Tom, Dick, and Harry, rather than sub- 
mit to skillful treatment, and pay a trifling fee. The glans 
penis, the prepuce, the meatus urinarius, the scrotum, 
the perineum, the anus and the roots of the hairs, are 
the parts liable to be affected. 

In either sex pruritus maybe associated with an erup- 
tion of little pimples, pustules, or aphthous spots. The 
latter consist of little pearl-like elevated spots, like the 
thrush of infants, which is sometimes found about the 
glans and prepuce of the male ; and upon the vulva, ex- 
tending, perhaps, into the urethra and the vagina of the 
female. Thread worms in the lower bowel will often give 
rise to excessive itchings of the anus, extending, perhaps, 
to other parts. Children sometimes suffer greatly from 
this cause, and without medical relief the vigor and 
stamina of their systems may rapidly decline. Dr. 
Churchill thinks that, in the female, this disorder may 
often be traced to some disease of the mouth or the neck 



233 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

of the womb, or the lining membrane of that organ, but 
he cites only one case in confirmation of his opinion. Now 
it has been our lot to make many such examinations, and 
with the highest respect for the opinions of that illustrious 
physician, we have been led to a very different conclusion. 
This itching disorder, according to our observation, seldom, 
if ever, depends upon any disease of the womb except in * 
an indirect way, viz. , the acrid discharges from the womb 
and the vagina, as in leucorrhoea, may produce excoriations 
and itching of the external organs ; hence, women who are 
troubled much with the whites may also suffer from ex- 
cessive itching of the external parts. How often do we 
find ulceration of the os and cervix uteri, and congestion 
and inflammation of the organ, and various tumors growing 
within its cavity, etc., etc., with no appearance of this 
itching disorder. 

Want of cleanliness must be regarded as a very common 
cause of this disorder. Some persons are so averse to the 
use of soap and water that they allow the acrid discharges, 
together with other filthy and poisonous materials, to col- 
lect and dry upon the parts, which in due time may de- 
velop this complaint. But this cannot be the only cause, 
as we often meet with it in persons of the most cleanly 
habits. 

Pruritus is sometimes infectious, and it may be commu- 
nicated from one sex to the other, and mistaken for 
venereal disease. Dr. Dewees relates a case of this kind. 
A lady was affected with this disorder, associated with 
aphthous eruptions, which she communicated to her hus- 



DISEASES OP FEMALES. 239 

band. Slie thought her husband had given her the 
venereal disease, and the husband accused his wife of the 
same dirty trick. The crimination was, therefore, mutual 
and earnest, and preparations were being made for a sepa- 
ration. But before proceeding to such extremity they 
agreed to consult the illustrious Dewees, and abide by his 
decision. This was a wise step, as it resulted in a satis- 
factory explanation of the nature of the infection, its com- 
plete removal, and the reunion and happiness of the 
parties. 

More than one case of the above description has come 
under our observation. People are wiser now than for- 
merly, and, in suspicious cases, much bolder in seeking the 
advice of the medical practitioner. For every person with 
any honor, or pride of character in his composition, wishes 
to have such a matter finally and positively settled, pro or 
con, whatever the consequences. 

We have said that pruritus is sometimes associated with 
eruptions ; such as pimples, vesicles, or aphthous spots, 
but in a large majority of cases nothing of the kind exists ; 
neither will any other organic disease be found upon which 
the itching depends. Upon examination, a little dryness, 
redness, erosion, and slight bleeding, as the result of rub- 
bing and scratching may be found, and that will be all. In 
such cases as we have before intimated, it seems to be in- 
dependent of any other disease, and must be treated ac- 
cordingly. 

As it respects the treatment of this disorder, we have 
A few thoughts to impress upon the minds of the afflicted 



240 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

If the itching depend upon, or is associated with any other 
disease, such as worms, eruptions, excrescences, tumors, 
leucorrhoeal discharge, etc. , that disorder must be removed 
before the itching will disappear ; for, while it remains, 
partial and temporary relief only can be effected. It 
should also be remembered, that, when this hateful dis- 
order has been well established, it will not always disap- 
pear when we remove the cause which first produced it, 
and an additional and separate treatment, adapted to the 
pruritus itself, must be employed. 

As in all other local diseases, the general health should 
be carefully looked after, and whatever organic or func- 
tional derangement may be found should be corrected. 
The digestive system, in particular, may be at fault, and a 
treatment adapted to the condition of the stomach, bowels, 
and liver, should be selected by the skillful practitioner. 
Attention should also be given to the regimen, hygiene, etc. 

But in a majority of cases, as we have before stated, 
no organic or functional disease of the sexual organs will 
be found as the cause of the pruritus ; and very often the 
patients general health will be very little, or not at all dis- 
ordered, and the diet, exercise, etc., unobjectionable. 
These cases are sometimes the most persistent, and rebel- 
lious to treatment. As laid down in our text books, the 
main treatment, in such eases, consists in astringent and 
anodyne lotions and ointments, which, at the best, can 
afford only partial and temporary relief. 

In such works this complaint is usually passed over with 
a very brief and imperfect notice ; not because it is not a 



DISEASES OF FEMALES. 241 

common and distressing complaint, but because it has been 
regarded as an annoyance rather than a dangerous disease, 
and also because the treatment has heretofore been uncer- 
tain and inefficient. And we freely confess that, if we 
.possessed no more certain means of cure than we once 
employed, following those works as our guide, we should 
feel inclined to say little about this distressing complaint ; 
for in a popular work like the present, we could derive no 
pleasure in describing the sufferings of our fellow creatures, 
without the means of their relief. Such means, however, 
we now possess ! Our opportunities for testing the virtues 
of various remedial agents in the treatment of this disorder, 
have been ample and successful, enabling us to devise a 
plan of treatment which proves infallible. This, we are 
aware, is very strong language; but the success of our 
practice justifies its use ; and, with a fair opportunity, we 
do not and will not fail to cure this distressing complaint. 
In the spirit of justice and fair-dealing, therefore, we offer 
this treatment to all scratching sufferers at a reasonable 
compensation for our professional services. Patients at a 
distance can consult us by correspondence, or through their 
friends, and all necessary instructions and remedies can be 
.sent by express to various parts of the country. Though 
open to the suspicion of selfishness — for we are free to con- 
fess that we live by our profession — we cannot refrain 
from urging this treatment upon such patients, as a matter 
of humanity, knowing its great efficacy in the relief of suf- 
fering, in chasing away melancholy, and substituting^ in 
its place, a cheerful, animated, happy disposition. 
10 



242 TIIE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

When we commenced this chapter, we intended to give 
a brief description of the various disorders of pregnancy ; 
but we find our space is insufficient. We must, therefore, 
be content in merely alluding to them : — 

Morbid appetite ; sour stomach, commonly called heart- 
burn ; costiveness ; hemorrhoids, or the piles ; dropsy of the 
feet and legs ; palpitation of the heart ; fainting fits ; tooth- 
ache ; neuralgic pains ; cramps in the legs ; and the morn- 
ing sickness, which we have already described as one of the 
principal evidences of pregnancy, are some of these dis- 
orders. They may be very slight, or very severe and dis- 
tressing, requiring medical attendance. 

But the most distressing disorder of pregnancy is known 
as Irritable Bladder. This, however, in its most distres- 
sing forms, is more frequently the consequence of parturi- 
tion, the child's head making undue pressure upon the 
bladder; and unless the patient has the most careful and 
skillful treatment, it may continue, with more or less sever- 
ity, for life. The patient is tormented with a painful desire 
to pass her water at very short intervals, though there may 
be but few drams or ounces of urine in the bladder ; and the 
passage of the warm urine, loaded with its pungent salts, 
over the irritable or inflamed surfaces, usually produces s 
painful, scalding sensation in the urethra and at the neck 
of the bladder. This is often so severe as to drive females 
from society and compel them to lead lives of solitude and 
melancholy, which but adds fuel to the flame already con- 
suming their lives. Irritable bladder may be produced by 
many other causes, and may exist in either sex, and at 



DISEASES OF FEMALES. 243 

almost any age, a further description of which may be found 
in the last chapter of this book. 

For some time past, our treatment of this disorder has 
been invariably successful. Patients, who had suffered for 
years, and had taken bottles and boxes of medicine to little 
or no purpose, have entirely recovered in a few weeks or 
months by availing themselves of our recent treatment. 
Indeed, we should be extremely mortified, not to cure the 
disease in a patient who follows our simple directions, and 
uses our remedy as pointed out. This treatment is now free 
for all at a reasonable compensation, and can be sent far and 
near by express or other conveyance. 



244 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

ABORTIONS OB MISCARRIAGES. 

Divisions of the subject — Causes of abortions-r-Habit of the womb, 
death of the foetus, detachment of the placenta, external violence, 
strong mental emotions, etc. — Ludicrous case of abortion produced 
by anger — Symptoms of threatened miscarriage — Pain and hemor- 
rhage — How they differ from pain and hemorrhage produced by 
other causes — The treatment — When to save the foetus, and when 
to hasten its expulsion — When is it justifiable to induce miscar- 
riages, or premature labor? — Deformities of the pelvis, retro-ver- 
sion of the womb, flooding during pregnancy, excessive nausea 
and vomiting, habitual death of the foetus, etc.— -Pregnancy fol- 
lowing rapes — Artful and wicked seductions — The civil laws — 
Horrible consequences of abortions produced by charlatans and 
patients themselves — A startling case — Advice and warning — An 
appeal to justice and humanity. 

In our medical literature, we find many useless, and per- 
haps, some unscientific divisions of the premature expul- 
sion of the product of conception. If it occur prior to the 
third month, it is called, by some authors, miscarriage ; if 
between the third and the commencement of the seventh 
month, an abortion ; if between the seventh and before the 
full term, premature labor. Other authors speak of ovular 
abortion, if before the twentieth day ; embryonic abortion, 
if before the fourth month ; foetal abortion, if before the 



ABORTIONS OR MISCARRIAGES. 245 

seventh month. Again ; it was once common to term the 
expulsion of the fecundated ovum before the tenth day, an 
effluxion; and if we extend the time to the next menstrual 
period after fecundation, there would be some reason for 
this latter division. For instance, a woman becomes fe- 
cund, and whether the ovum is fixed in the uterus consti- 
tuting conception, or whether that act has not yet taken 
place, at her next monthly period she menstruates as usual, 
and the fecundated ovum is thrown off with the menstrual 
fluid, unnoticed and uncared for. This, in our opinion, is 
the most common form of abortion, and it may not inaptly 
be considered a mere effluxion. 

The words abortion and miscamage are, however, more 
properly employed as synonymous terms, and applied to 
the expulsion of the ovum at any time before the seventh 
month ; but after that time, and before full term, its ex- 
pulsion is more properly spoken of as premature labor, for 
the reason that the child is then viable, can breathe, and 
take nourishment, and, with proper care, may be matured. 

Some women are habitual aborters ; that is they abort 
a number of times successively. A woman is made to mis- 
carry, especially during her first pregnancy, by some one of 
the causes presently to be named, and, at her second preg- 
nancy, the womb has a disposition to expel its contents 
before full term, usually about the period when the first 
abortion occurred ; and if she now abort the second time, 
the tendency will be still stronger in her third pregnancy ; 
and a periodical habit of abortion is formed requiring the 
greatest skill on the part of the practitioner, and caution 



246 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

on the part of the patient, to have the pregnancy advance 
to full term. 

The death of the foetus is another cause of abortion not 
at all uncommon. The foetus in utero may be destroyed 
by disease, such as syphilis, small pox, etc. ; by design, or 
by accident ; and when dead it acts as a foreign body, irri- 
tating and exciting the muscular tissue of the womb, and 
giving rise to those pains and contractions of miscarriage 
necessary to expel it. When this occurs before the third 
month, the embryo, membranes, and placenta nearly al- 
ways come away together and in their entirety, as the 
attachment of the placenta .to the womb is then very slight, 
and easily separated ; but after that period the attachment 
becomes firmer and stronger, and the foetus is usually ex- 
pelled first, leaving those appendages to come away by 
piece-meal afterwards. 

When, however, the bag of waters remains entire, and 
the foetus continues to float in the liquor amnii, after its 
death, it does not readily undergo decomposition, and it 
may be weeks, months, or even a whole year, before the 
womb will take on contractions and cast it forth without 
the assistance of the medical art. This condition has 
blasted the character of many innocent females, and, there- 
fore, we invite* special attention to it in this connection. 
As an illustration, we will suppose a man leaves his wife, 
who has conceived, and goes away on a long journey, or is 
absent on business a few months, which is a very common 
occurrence of life. After the husband's absence the foetus 
dies, but is retained in the womb till his return, when. 



ABORTIONS OR MISCARRIAGES. 247 

under the influence of sexual excitement, the woman aborts ; 
but not knowing that the foetus has been dead for months, 
it appears altogether too small to date back to the time the 
husband left home, and it cannot be the product of con- 
ception since his return. In such a fog of ignorance what 
would be the inference ? Why, that the woman being un- 
faithful to her marriage vows, had become pregnant during 
her husband's absence ; and without proper medical coun- 
sel, she would be compelled to remain under such censure. 
Such cases are no doubt quite frequent, during these ex- 
citing times of war, rapine, and murder-; extreme anxiety 
and sudden mental emotions, as upon the receipt of bad 
news, being frequent causes of the death of the embryo. 

The disease of the placenta, or its separation from the 
womb, is another frequent cause of abortions. The pla- 
centa, as we have explained in our chapter on pregnancy, 
is the only medium of communication between the foetus 
and the mother. The foetal lungs are perfectly dormant, 
no air is admitted to them, and no blood circulates through 
them to be oxydized, till the child is born and gasps for 
breath. . But the placenta is the medium through which 
the blood of the foetus is renovated, the oxygen being de- 
rived from the blood of the mother. In addition, there- 
fore, to another important function of the placenta, ex- 
plained in its proper place, it is really and truly the foetal 
lungs, and the reader can now understand what must be 
the result, if it is diseased, or its attachment to the womb 
is destroyed. If its function is completely destroyed, the 
death of the foetus is just as certain as the death of an 



243 THE SEXtTAL SYSTEM. 

adult if no air could be admitted to the lungs ; but if its 
function is partially destroyed it may slowly perish, or it 
may possibly recover, if the injury is not very extensive. 

The attachment of the placenta to the womb may be 
broken up by a fall or blow upon the woman's abdomen, 
especially if the violence be directly over the placenta, 
which is most likely to happen. Sudden, and violent in- 
crease of the circulation of the blood in the maternal 
vessels will sometimes produce the same mischief. Pro- 
fessor Meigs says, "This happens in consequence of the 
increased circulation causing some drops to escape from 
the womb, and lodging betwixt it and the placenta, thus 
peeling or dissecting it off, little by little, until a sufficient 
superficies is removed to destroy the life of the embryo. " 

Violent muscular motions of the mother, which fre- 
quently take place in lifting heavy weights ; in ascending 
stairs with heavy loads; in attempting to recover from 
falls ; pressure made upon the womb by suddenly stooping, 
leaping, running, dancing, horseback riding, riding in 
vehicles over rough roads ; all these are sufficient, in some 
women, to destroy the connection between the placenta and 
wonib. 

Sudden fright -and violent fits of passion, as we have 
already intimated, will sometimes produce abortions. Many 
ludicrous, if not dangerous cases of this kind have come 
under our treatment. We were once called to a case of the 
following description : — 

A German sales- woman in a furniture store, had some 
altercation with an impertinent customer, who accidentally 



ABORTIONS OR MISCARRIAGES. 249 

let a table fall and broke off one of its legs. One word 
followed another in quick succession, the customer making 
merry of the whole affair by his frequent use of yavjs and 
nichts, till the poor woman's passion mounted so high that 
she no longer had control over herself, when she caught 
the table leg and was about to inflict condign punishment 
upon the customer's head and shoulders, whereupon he 
caught the table leg in one hand and with the other com- 
mitted an indecency upon the person of the woman. This 
was a new provocation, and her passion rose still higher, 
as the thermometer rises upon the application of increased 
heat. As the result of this fit of passion, for there had 
been no external violence, labor pains and hemorrhage 
soon commenced, and the writer had the honor of conduct- 
ing the case to a safe termination, which resulted in the 
expulsion of the foetus from the womb and the recovery of 
the patient. 

The prominent symptoms of a threatened abortion are 
pain and hemorrhage. Whatever other symptoms arise 
during the process, these two are present in a greater or 
less degree. But a woman may have pain and hemorrhage 
from many other causes ; and she may imagine herself to 
be threatened with miscarriage, when the indications are 
entirely of a different character. But the character of the 
pains and of the hemorrhage, and an examination per 
vaginam, will always enable the skillful practitioner to de- 
cide the question beyond all peradventure. 

The pains of miscarriage are recurrent; that is, they 
are marked by distinct intervals ; and they centre in the 



250 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

♦ 

lower part of the abdomen, and in the loins. In short, 
they result from the contractions of the womb, and have 
all the characteristics of labor pains at full term, though 
sometimes less distinct and prominent in some of their 
features. Colic pains, which are often mistaken by females 
themselves for the pains of abortion, lack such regularity, 
and are not necessarily accompanied by pains in the loins, 
and by hemorrhage from the womb. The pains of Dys- 
menorrhoea may be distinguished from those of abortion 
by attention to the monthly return of the former, by their 
occurrence prior to the menstrual discharge, and their 
subsidence when the discharge is well established. Again, 
some women, as we have shown in another part of this 
work, menstruate during pregnancy, especially the first 
months, and this might be mistaken for the hemorrhage 
of miscarriage ; but such menstruation usually corresponds 
with the monthly periods ; it is not profuse like the hem- 
orrhage of abortion, nor is it accompanied with any of the 
usual causes of abortion. 

But there may be polypus, or other tumors within the 
cavity of the womb, giving rise to pain and hemorrhage 
somewhat simulating those of miscarriage ; but attention 
to the general history of the case, and the general health 
of the patient, will throw much light upon all such obscure 
cases ; and prevent much annoyance from useless treatment. 
But there is little time for such investigation, when the 
physician is called to a case of supposed miscarriage ; he is 
obliged to act promptly, especially if his patient is bleeding 
profusely. He, therefore, makes certain hasty inquiries, 



ABORTIONS OR MISCARRIAGES. 251 

and if there still remain the least presumption that the 
woman is aborting, he at once makes an examination per 
vagiriam, which usually reveals the true condition of things. 
If abortion is really taking place, the mouth of the womb 
will be more or less dilated, and will feel softer than the 
mouth of the non-gravid womb, the membranes may be 
felt protruding or the foetus itself may partially protrude, 
or be found in the vagina. 

Let-us briefly notice the general indications of treatment 
in all cases of threatened abortion. If the physician have 
reason to believe that the mischief is very slight, that the 
placenta is not sufficiently separated from the womb to de- 
stroy the foetus, and that an effort can be made to save the 
life of the foetus, without, in the least, endangering the life 
or health of the mother, it is his duty to manage the case 
accordingly. And he should employ all those agents, 
which tend to check the uterine contractions, and to arrest 
the hemorrhage, as far as possible, by constricting the 
uterine blood-vessels. The application of cold, acetate of 
lead and opium, extract of belladonna, etc. etc. , are useful 
in such cases. The patient should also be kept perfectly 
quiet, and in the recumbent posture. If she be plethoric, 
the force of circulation may be reduced by such remedies as 
aconite, veratrum, digitalis, etc. But if the patient be ex- 
tremely nervous, such remedies must be employed as will 
calm and fortify the nervous system, such as the antispas- 
modics, nervines, etc. 

But suppose it is not deemed prudent to attempt to save 
the foetus, what then are the indications of treatment? 



252 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

Plainly to deliver as speedily as possible, and arrest the 
hemorrhage. For this purpose all proper means should be 
employed to favor the dilatation of the os uteri, to increase 
the contractions of the uterus, and to remove any portions 
of the membranes and placenta that might remain after 
the expulsion of the foetus. The application of cold in 
various ways, the use of ergot, and the tampoon, are all 
potent agents in the hands of the intelligent physician. 

A detailed description of the treatment above indicated, 
would occupy too much space for a popular work like the 
present, and could only be appreciated and properly ap- 
plied in various and varying cases by the intelligent prac- 
titioner. We will, therefore, pass to the consideration of 
other matters connected with this subject, which are of 
vast importance to thousands of females, who are innocent 
but unfortunate, and thousands of others who are de- 
luded, but guiltless and unsophisticated in the ways of the 
world. 

Abortions and premature labors are frequently induced 
in legitimate medical practice, for the purpose of saving the 
health or the life of the mother, or to avoid the risks, which, 
in special cases, threaten the mother or the child, upon 
delivery at full term. And this in competent hands is a 
perfectly safe operation, unattended with difficulty or 
danger to the patient ; but in ignorant hands, or when at- 
tempted by patients themselves, as we shall show before 
closing this chapter, the danger, as well as the obstructions 
and difficulties in the way of the operation is very great. 

We now invite attention to some of those conditions 



ABORTIONS OR 3HS CARRIAGES. 253 

which justify the operation in question, and which are not, 
to our knowledge, systematically arranged in any other 
work upon the sexual system : — 

1. Deformities of the pelvis ! It sometimes happens 
through some freak of nature, that the adult female pelvis 
is so small, in all its dimensions, that a living child cannot 
pass through it into the world ; but the usual deformities 
of the pelvis rendering the natural birth of a child impos- 
sible, are the result of diseases and injuries. Rachitis, a 
disease of infancy or childhood, which consists in a defi- 
ciency of earthy matter in the bones, depriving them of 
their natural hardness, is a very frequent cause of pelvic 
distortions; and, though the child recover, and have 
good health afterwards, the distortion necessarily remains 
through life. Mollities ossium, a disease of adult life, con- 
sists in softening of the bones, and may produce the same 
mischief. From these diseases, the superincumbent pres- 
sure of the body may jam the pelvis out of its natural 
dimensions, the superior or inferior opening being greatly 
contracted, or the whole pelvis jammed out of shape verti- 
cally, obliquely, or from side to side. Similar deformities 
may be produced by accidents. The young girl, whose 
bones are not so hard and resisting as those of an adult, 
may be caught between two heavy bodies, or a heavy weight 
may fall upon her, or in some other way, her hips may be 
subjected to sudden and violent pressure, and a frightful 
distortion produced, which, though she recover, must re- 
main through life. 

In addition to the above causes, fractures of some of the 



254 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

bones of the pelvis, osseous growths within its cavity, de- 
formities from bad cases of hip disease in childhood, etc. , 
will sometimes interpose insuperable barriers to the birth 
of a living chilcj. 

Now if pregnancy is allowed to go on to full term, when 
any such obstacles exist, the physician, or counsel of phy- 
sicians, is called upon to decide between embryotomy and 
the Caesarean operation. The former consists in actually 
cutting the child up, and extracting it by piece-meal, a 
most dangerous as well as loathsome operation. This cut- 
ting and extracting operation cannot be performed through 
a space of less than two inches in diameter. If, therefore, 
the deformity is so great that this amount of space does 
not exist, the only alternative is the Caesarean operation, 
which consists in nothing less than cutting the mother 
open and lifting the child out of the womb, giving the 
poor victim of such horrible butchery the slightest possible 
chance for her life ; for statistics show the most melancholy 
results of this operation. But if the condition of the 
mother is known in season, or even suspected, a careful 
medical" examination should be made, and the grave ques- 
tion of inducing premature labor or an early abortion de- 
cided. For if a living child cannot be born tRj full term, 
there may be sufficient space to bring it into the world alive, 
at the commencement of the seventh month, when, with 
proper care, it may be reared ; and it might be the duty 
of the accoucheur to allow the pregnancy to go on till that 
time. But if the deformity is such as to make this treat- 
ment at all dangerous to the mother an early abortion is 



ABORTIONS OR MISCARRIAGES. 255 

the only alternative; and we cannot understand how a 
physician of moral sensibilities and sound judgment could 
hesitate in such a dilemma, except upon the ground that 
he does not feel himself competent for the delicate task 
before him, when, of course, he should decline the case, 
and recommend some one more gifted in this department 
of practice. 

2. Retro-version of the womb ! In the proper place, the 
reader will find a brief description of this displacement, 
its causes, symptoms, etc. ; but we now call attention to it, 
in connection with miscarriages. This accident most fre- 
quently happens during the first months of pregnancy, on ac- 
count of the increased weight of the organ before it attains 
a sufficient bulk to preclude such a position. The displace- 
ment is sometimes so great that the womb is found occu- 
pying a transverse position in the cavity of the pelvis, its 
fundus pressing against the lower bowel, and its neck 
jamming well in upon the bladder, producing the most 
violent and dangerous symptoms. By a judicious and 
persevering employment of the most efficient means, it can 
be reposited, in a large majority of cases, and thus being 
made to occupy its natural position, the pregnancy may go 
on to full term. But this is sometimes- impossible, as the 
organ is constantly growing in size and may soon get 
wedged into its unnatural position in such a way that it 
must remain unless its bulk is diminished. The reader 
can anticipate the terrible consequences of such an abnor- 
mal condition. As the organ continues to grow the blad- 
der may burst from the impossibility of drawing off the 



£56 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

water, or it may inflame and mortify, or inflammation and 
mortification of other soft parts within the pelvis may take 
place, and, of course, terminate fatally. 

Now this is no fancy sketch. Thousands of women lose 
their lives in this way, a most horrible and distressing 
termination of one's brief span of existence. And what 
is the treatment? plainly, to arrest the development, and 
reduce the bulk of the child-bearing organ, by bringing on 
a miscarriage. This is the only relief in such extreme 
cases. The womb, it is true, may be provoked to take on 
contractions, and expel its contents, without the aid of the 
accoucheur, but this does not always take place, and there 
is great danger in waiting for such a result. Shall we, 
therefore, stand by and see our patients die like dogs when 
we have their salvation in our own hands ? Without this 
relief, both the mother and the foetus are sacrificed to the 
ignorance or neglect of the medical adviser ; with it, the 
unconscious foetus is destroyed — which must have occurred 
without such relief— but the mother is saved. According 
to the established ethics of our profession, there certainly 
could be no plainer indications of rational and sound 
practice. 

Very little was known about retro-version of the womb 
till the year 1754, when a case was brought to the notice 
*of Dr. William Hunter, which enabled him to demonstrate 
its existence, and the position of the parts concerned. Of 
this case Dr. G-ooeh makes the following statement : — u Dr. 
Hunter attempted to restore the uterus to its natural situ- 
ation, but failed ; there was obstinate constipation, and in 



ABORTIONS OB MISCARRIAGES- 257 

a few days the patient died. On examination after death 
the bladder was found distended, the cervix uteri was 
turned upwards and forwards against the symphysis pubis, 
and the fundus had fallen downwards and backwards into 
the hollow of the sacrum ; where it was so impacted as to 
be with difficulty dislodged. This case being the first of 
the kind that had been # noticed in this country, excited 
great interest. Dr. Hunter gave a public lecture on the 
occasion over the body of the patient, in which he recom- 
mended puncturing the membranes in order to procure 
abortion. ' ■ We have no space for the narration of indi- 
vidual cases; but since Hunter's demonstration, death from 
this cause is very commonly reported by accoucheurs of 
large practice ; and the question returns, shall we allow our 
patients to die this miserable death when it is in our power 
to save them ? 

Dr. Churchill in his excellent treatise upon this displace- 
ment uses the following language: — "Notwithstanding 
the evacuation of the bladder, all our efforts to replace the 
uterus in its usual position are sometimes unavailing, be- 
cause of the bulk it has attained. This only happens with 
pregnant women, and especially with those in whom the 
retro-version continues for some time before relief is sought. 
In such cases we are advised to pass a sound through the 
os uteri in order to induce abortion, and so diminish the 
size of the uterus by evacuating its contents." 

3. Threatened miscarriages ! We have already spoken 
of the causes and symptoms of threatened miscarriages, 
also the decision of the question, whether to make an at* 
17 



2&8 the sexual system. 

tempt to save the product of conception, or to hasten its 
expulsion, and the treatment appropriate thereto ; but we 
now speak of those cases where the foetus must be sacri- 
ficed, and, therefore, left entirely out of the question, and 
the abortion completed as rapidly as possible for the safety 
of the mother. 

When the placenta is partially .detached from the womb 
hemorrhage is the inevitable result; and, as a general 
rule, if a woman, not far advanced in pregnancy, loses the 
smallest amount of blood from this cause, there is a strong 
probability that she will miscarry. Still, cases have oc- 
curred, where women not advanced beyond the fourth 
month have lost many ounces, and the hemorrhage had 
ceased, and the pregnancy gone on to full term. Now, it 
is always in the power of the physician who thoroughly 
understands his business, to arrest the hemorrhage by 
means of the tampoon, if within the fifth month of gesta- 
tion ; but when this is employed, the life of the foetus is 
always sacrificed. Hence, the question has arisen in 
medical ethics, to what extent is it justifiable to allow the 
hemorrhage to proceed before resorting to this means of 
safety to the mother, but destruction to the foetus. 

The doctrine has been taught by many accoucheurs, 
eminent for their learning and skill, that we should wait, 
and hesitate, and exhaust every other means of arresting 
the hemorrhage, with the hope of saving the foetus, before 
having recourse to this certain means of saving the mother. 
In other words, that we must wait till we have positive 
assurance that the woman will die frpm hemorrhage before 



ABORTIONS OR MI9CARRIAGES. 259 

we resort to the tampoon. Now, this doctrine we protest 
against as dangerous and immoral in practice. Look at it 
for a moment. Here is a pregnant woman flooding, but 
she has not yet miscarried ; if the physician resort to other 
means, or leave the case to itself, there is a slight chance, 
that, if the mother should recover, the foetus will be saved, 
but the danger to the mother is greatly enhanced ; for, if 
she does not lose her life, she will probably lose her health, 
and have a feeble, sickly constitution ever after, as the re- 
sult of excessive loss of blood. The physician knows he 
can arrest the flooding at once, and save the life of the 
mother by sacrificing the foetus ; still he looks on and al- 
lows the blood to flow away pint after pint, speculating 
upon the abstract question of losing the imperfectly de- 
veloped ovum. Truly, such a man has little conception of 
his obligations to his patient, whom he shamefully and 
basely betrays, because the only reasonable presumption in 
her mind is, that her physician will do all in his power for 
her health and safety; and such a man deserves to be 
kicked out of the profession. We speak the things we 
know when we state that thousands of women have lost 
their lives by such culpable neglect, or inexcusable igno- 
rance on the part of their medical attendants. 

Professor Meigs, in lecturing to his class upon this sub- 
ject uses the following significant language: — C I am 
anxious to put you upon your guard upon this subject ; I 
trust you will always act up to the principle, that you must 
not do evil that good may come. Whenever a clear indi- 
cation for the sacrifice of the tender embryo exists, no evil 



260 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

is done in procuring the greater good of the mother ; on 
the contrary, the act by which it is destroyed, is an act in 
morals as purely good as the saving of a man's life. The 
lesser, in morals, must yield to the greater ; the lesser is 
always included in the greater. ' ' 

4. Excessive and protracted nausea and vomiting during 
pregnancy ! In its proper place, we have spoken of morn- 
ing sickness, as one of the earliest signs of pregnancy ; but 
this is sometimes so excessive, and protracted, as to en- 
danger the life of the mother, and the physician, or counsel 
of physicians, are called upon to decide the question as to 
the production of an abortion, or premature labor, as a 
means of relief and safety to the poor distressed mother. 

In 1852, a spirited discussion took place in the French 
Academy of Medicine, embracing the question — Is it ever 
justifiable to produce abortion in cases of excessive vomit- 
ing ? and the principal argument in the negative, was the 
assumption that, in some- eases, pregnant women, who 
were supposed to be in a dying condition from excessive 
nausea and vomiting, have recovered, and brought forth 
living children. In reply to this argument, however, it is 
sufficient to remark that, if a pregnant woman apparently 
in a moribund •condition irom excessive vomiting, has even 
recovered her health, and brought into the world a living 
child, it was a very rare exception to a general rule, and, 
therefore, worthless as a principle in practice ; for thou- 
sands of women have succumbed from this cause, who, in 
all probability, would have survived, if miscarriage had 
been effected. 



ABORTIONS OR MISCARRIAGES. 261 

Dr. Churchill, describing these dangerous cases of nausea 
and vomiting, says: — "But in some cases the patient's 
constitution gives way, and the results are most serious, 
nay, even fatal, before the completion of gestation. The 
patient may either die of exhaustion, or be carried off 
suddenly. I shall .adduce some of the cases on record.' ' 
He then proceeds to bring forward many distressing cases 
of death from this cause. Among others he states, that in 
the course of thirteen years, M. Dubois met with twenty 
cases in which the disorder proved fatal ; also, that Pro- 
fessor Stoltz has stated his belief that death from this 
cause is more common than is generally supposed. Dr. 
Churchill then proceeds to recommend the induction of 
miscarriage, or premature labor, as the only safe treat- 
ment in such extreme cases. 

This treatment was first recommended by Denman, and 
has since been advised, and to some extent practiced, by 
many of the most eminent men in the profession, among 
whom we may mention — M. Dubois, Maguire, Blundell, 
Robert Lee, Merriman, Ashwell, Bedford and a host of 
others. The following significant language, touching this 
question, we quote from Bedford, of the New York Uni- 
versity : — 

( ' I cannot, for myself, recognize any difference between 
the decision of this question, and multitudes of others, 
that are more or less constantly presenting themselves to 
the practitioner, while engaged in his daily rounds of duty. 
Where is the physician who has not, at times, been almost 
bewildered in his desire to decide the nice question, further 



262 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

depletion or stimulation, in a case, for example, of pneu- 
monia, or pleurisy, or typhus ; knowing, at the same time, 
that on the correctness of his decision, must depend the 
life of his patient. In a case like this, after a proper exer- 
cise of his honest judgment, looking merely at the safety of 
his patient, whatever that judgment may indicate, and 
whatever the issue may be, I hold that the medical man 
has performed his duty. So, gentlemen it is, in sympto- 
matic vomiting, endangering, if not checked, the safety of 
the mother. Look carefully at all the circumstances, and if, 
with the aid of additional counsel, you should be impressed 
with the conviction, that the greatest, if not the only safety 
of your patient, is in premature delivery, then, in my 
opinion, you would deserve rebuke, if you withhold this 
means of relief; for, after all, the question which you are 
to determine is, the simple but grave one, of life or death, 
and the decision has nothing to rest upon but human 
judgment." 

5. Habitual death of the foetus ! It sometimes happens 
that after the foetus becomes viable, and before the full 
term of gestation, it suddenly dies in the womb. This very 
often occurs during the eighth month, but sometimes one 
or two weeks only before the natural period of labor. We do 
not now speak of those cases, so commonly met with, where 
the death of the foetus is produced by disease inherited 
from the father or mother ; but of those rarer cases, where 
the parents are both healthy, and the dead foetus, when 
brought into the world, shows no marks of hereditary taint. 
The causes of such deaths are very obscure, having defied 



ABORTIONS OR MISCARRIAGES. 263 

the investigations of the best men in the profession. We 
will not, therefore, occupy any space by stating any opinions 
of our own, or introducing the speculative theories of others, 
our object being merely to call attention to the fact of such 
deaths, and the treatment most advisable. 

Some of the most eminent men in the profession have 
advised the induction of premature labor two or three 
weeks before the foetus would die if allowed to remain in 
the womb, with the hope of saving the child and making 
glad the hearts of the parents* This practice has often 
proved successful. 

As an illustration of this whole subject, we will take a single 
case, which occurred in this town. Julia B. , the very image 
of good health, married a gentleman of position who was 
himself perfectly free from all hereditary and constitutional 
disease. In due time Mrs. B. became pregnant, and at 
the fourth month she felt the motions of the child, which 
grew stronger and stronger till the middle of the eighth 
month, when they suddenly ceased. This indicated the 
death of the foetus, and when it came into the world it wa3 
found to be still-born. During her second pregnancy, she 
had the very best medical attendance, still the foetus died 
at the same stage of gestation as before. At the third 
pregnancy it was decided to induce premature labor with 
the hope of saving the child. This was done at the begin- 
ning of the eighth month ; the child was brought into the 
world alive, and is now a healthy, sprightly lad, the pride 
, and happiness of the family. 

Thus the anxiety of parents to have an heir apparent, 



264 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

and to leave their name and image in the world, has been 
gratified more than once. We do not say such cases are 
common, but they sometimes occur, and after laying all the 
circumstances before the parents, if it be their choice, the 
physician is not only justified, but morally bound to resort 
to this means of saving the child. 

6. Pregnancy following rapes ! In the days of Hippo- 
crates, and down to a very late period, when the opinion 
prevailed among medical men that, in sexual connection, 
the woman as well as the man, had an emission of semen, 
accompanied with pleasurable excitement, and that the 
commingling of these two products constituted fecundation ; 
the doctrine was held that impregnation could never follow 
a rape, because as it was said, pleasurable excitement and 
an emission of semen could not take place in a female strug- 
gling against the violation of her person. And this doc- 
trine, outside of the medical profession, is entertained by 
most people at the present time, not as a matter of science, 
but simply of tradition. But the progress of physiological 
science has completely dissipated this notion, and it is now 
known that there is no emission of seminal fluid in the 
female, her office being, to furnish the ovum, which is 
slowly elaborated in the ovary, and slowly conducted 
through the Fallopian tubes to the uterus, or is thrown off 
as waste matter. It is also established, that, when an 
ovum is ripe and ready to be fecundated by the male sper- 
matozoa, a connection forced against the will of the female, 
and, therefore, without pleasure on her part, may be fol- 
lowed by impregnation. Pleasure does not seem to be 



ABORTIONS OR MISCARRIAGES. 265 

necessary to fecundation, for it is well known that many 
married women conceive and bear children as readily a3 
others, who never experience any pleasure in the sexual 
embrace. Touching this subject, Professor Bedford holds 
the following language : — 

' c A very general opinion has prevailed, that pleasurable 
excitement during intercourse, is essential to a successful 
fecundation. This is an error, for it is well known that 
women, in whom intercourse is not only without the slight- 
est voluptuous sensation, but even repugnant, become 
readily impregnated. The opinion that pleasure is necessary 
on the part of the female, has more than once been cited in 
courts of justice, as proofs against the purity of a woman, 
on whose person a rape, followed by impregnation, had 
been committed. This latter circumstance, however, is no 
proof at all either in favor of the consent, or adverse to the 
chastity of the female ; and it is well for you to remember 
the fact ; for it may be through your testimony that the scales 
of justice will be rightly poised, and character sustained." 

Now the question has arisen among accoucheurs, as a 
principle of medical ethics, independent of any civil code, 
whether, in a clear case of pregnancy following a rape, 
it would be justifiable to bring about an early abortion, 
as a relief to the unfortunate female, and protection against 
the ungenerous and unjust censure of the world. Many 
have taken the affirmative of this question, and others 
have added the unfortunate victims of wicked, artful seduc- 
tions ; and their arguments, upon moral grounds, are cer- 
tainly not without weight. They think there are many 



266 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

circumstances of honor, character, relationship, and family 
connections, which might justify the physician in sacrifi- 
cing the unconscious embryo, and relieving the innocent 
female from such a burden of death and degradation. But 
such a doctrine openly avowed, and carried into practice , 
though it might bring relief to many unfortunate but inno- 
cent females, would, perhaps, have no beneficial influence 
upon society at large. Besides, in all our statute books, 
we find laws against such practices with severe penalties 
attached, and it is the part of every good man, and, indeed, 
every prudent man, to obey the laws of the land when not 
in direct conflict with the plain dictates of common sense 
and moral principle. 

But the judge upon the bench, who would rigidly in- 
terpret the law, and sternly pronounce, its penalty upon 
any person arraigned for such an offence, would, probably, 
be the first to apply for the relief in question, should the 
misfortune visit his own household ; and in this, he would 
act like a man, like a humane as well as a human being , 
which is a very different character from the interpreter of 
a stern decree, which often fails to discriminate between 
the really innocent and guilty. 

Aside from the laws of the land, whatever the physician 
might feel to be his duty, in such extreme cases, he would 
be compelled to answer for his conduct before the tribunal 
of his own conscience and that of his God ; and there are 
questions, we must confess, connected with this subject, 
which must severely test the moral sentiments of every 
honest physician. / 



ABORTIONS OR MI&CARRIAGES. 267 

The danger arising from a miscarriage, or premature 
labor, is often greatly exaggerated by medical men, as well 
as others. Women who abort, are not liable to puerperal 
fever — the great scourge of child-bearing, and there is little 
danger of inflammation of the womb, unless active drug3 
have been improperly employed ; and as it respects flood- 
ing it cannot endanger the life or health of the patient, 
especially before the fifth month, when she is in the hands 
of a competent physician ; indeed, a physician who should 
allow such a patient to flood so profusely as to endanger 
her life or health, would be guilty of a malpractice, for 
which he ought to suffer the severest penalty. When, 
however, a miscarriage is produced by a fall, a blow, a 
kick from a horse, or any other external violence, causing 
internal contusions, or rupture of blood-vessels, it is dan- 
gerous. It is also dangerous, but not to the same extent, 
when produced by sudden fright, or fits of passion, but in 
all such cases the danger arises more from the causes which 
produce the miscarriage than from the miscarriage itself. 

But the greatest danger arises from the ridiculous in- 
termeddling of charlatans and patients themselves. And 
we desire, if possible, to impress this fact upon the minds 
of our readers. In some of our large towns there is a sort 
of wholesale slaughter carried on by persons calling them- 
selves doctors, but without medical education; and by 
women styling themselves female physicians, astrologists, 
fortune tellers, free lovers, etc. ; and the most terrible con- 
sequences follow. When our readers shall have seen a 
tithe of those frightful things which have come under the 



263 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

observation of the author, they will agree with him that 
these facts are of the most vital interest to thousands. 

When practicing medicine in New York city we had an 
opportunity of learning something about the notorious 
Madame Restell, whose only business for years past has 
consisted in probing and drugging females of all classes for 
the purpose of producing miscarriages. Her advertise- 
ments may be found in nearly all the city papers, inviting 
to her rooms the high and the low, the married and the 
single, the innocent and the guilty ; and her victims of 
poor health, diseases of the bladder, and distressing uterine 
diseases — some of whom came under our own treatment — 
might be counted by hundreds. This woman is not an 
educated physician and does not, of course, understand 
the nice anatomical relations and situations of the internal 
genital organs. Two prominent features characterize her 
practice — boldness and ignorance. 

Professor Bedford relates a remarkable case, as the 
result of this woman's practice, which came under his 
own observation; and as it is one of great interest, and 
may serve as a warning to others, we shall introduce it here 
and then close the chapter with a few reflections by way 
of advice, caution, warning, etc. The following is his 
language : — 

" December 19th, 1843. Drs. Vermeule and Holden 
requested me to meet them in consultation, in the case of 
Mrs. M., who had been in labor for twenty-four hours. 
On arriving at the house, I learned the following particu- 
lars from the medical gentleman : Mrs. M. was the mother 



ABORTIONS OR MISCARRIAGES. 269 

of two children, and had been suffering severely, for the 
last fourteen hours, from strong expulsive pains, which, 
however, had not caused the slightest progress in the de- 
livery. I was likewise informed that, about four hours 
before I saw the case, Dr. Miner, an experienced physician, 
had been sent for, and, after instituting a vaginal exami- 
nation, remarked to the attending physicians, that, - in all 
his practice, he had never met with a similar case. ' Dr. 
Miner suggested the administration of an anodyne, and 
having other professional engagements, left the house. 
Mrs. M. was taken in labor Monday, December 18th, at 
seven o'clock, P. m., and on Tuesday at seven P. M., I first 
caw her. Her pains were then almost constant ; and such 
had been the severity of her suffering, that her cries for 
relief, as her medical attendants informed me, had at- 
tracted crowds of persons about the door. As soon as I 
entered her room, she exclaimed, ' For God's sake, doctor, 
cut me open, or I shall die; I never can be delivered 
without you cut me open. ' I was much struck with this 
language, especially as I had already been informed that 
she had previously borne two children. At the request of 
the medical gentlemen, I proceeded to make an exami- 
nation per vaginam, and I must confess that I was startled 
at what I discovered, expecting every instant, from the in- 
tensity of the contractions of the uterus, that this organ 
would be ruptured in some portion of its extent. I could 
distinctly feel a solid, resisting tumor at the superior strait, 
through the walls of the uterus ; hut I could detect no os 
tincce. In carrying my finger upward and backward toward 



^70 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

the cul-de-sac of the vagina, I could trace two bridles, ex- 
tending from this portion of the vagina to a point of the 
uterus, which was quite rough and slightly elevated ; this 
roughness was transverse in shape, but with all the caution 
and nicety of manipulation I could bring to bear, I found 
it impossible to detect any opening in the womb. In 
passing my finger with great care from the bridles to the 
rough surface, and exploring the condition of the parts 
with an anxious desire to afford the distressed patient 
prompt and effectual relief, I distinctly felt cicatrices, of 
which this rough surface was one. 

4 ' Here, then, was a condition of things produced by in- 
jury done to the soft parts at some previous period, re- 
sulting in the formation of cicatrices and bridles, and 
likewise in the closure of the mouth of the womb. At this 
atage of the examination, I knew nothing of the previous 
history of the patient more than I have already stated, 
and the first question I addressed to her was this : Have 
you ever had any difficulty in your previous confinements ? 
Have you ever been delivered with instruments, etc. , etc. ? 
She distinctly replied that her previous labors had been of 
short duration, and that she had never been delivered with 
instruments, nor had she sustained any injury in conse- 
quence of her confinements. Dr. Vermeule informed me 
that this was literally true, for he had attended her on 
those occasions. This information somewhat puzzled me, 
for it was not in keeping with what any one might have 
conjectured, taking into view her actual condition, which 
was undoubtedly the remit of direct injury done to the parts. 



ABORTIONS OR MISCARRIAGES. 271 

I then suggested to Drs. Vermeule and Holden the pro- 
priety of questioning the patient still more closely, with 
the hope of eliciting something satisfactory as to the cause 
of her present difficulty; remarking, at the same time, 
that it would be absolutely necessary to have recourse to 
an operation for the purpose of delivering her. On as- 
suring her that she was in a most perilous situation, and, 
at the same time, promising to do all in our power to re- 
lieve her, she voluntarily made the following confession : 
About six weeks after becoming pregnant, she called on 
the notorious Madame Restell, who, learning her situation, 
gave her some powders with directions for use ; these 
powders, it appears, did not produce the desired effect. 
She returned again to this woman, and asked her if there 
were no other way to make her miscarry. ' Yes,* says 
Madame Restell, c I can probe you ; but I must have my 
price for this operation. ' c What do you probe with?* ■ A 
piece-of whalebone.' c Well,' observed the patient, l I can 
not afford to pay your price, and I will probe myself. ' She 
returned home, and used the whalebone several times ; it 
produced considerable pain, followed by discharge of blood. 
The whole secret was now disclosed. Injuries inflicted on 
the mouth of the womb by these violent attempts had re- 
sulted in the circumstances as detailed above. It was 
evident, from the nature of this poor woman's sufferings 
and the expulsive character of her pains, that prompt 
artificial delivery was indicated. 

" As the result of the case was doubtful, and it was im- 
portant to have the concurrent testimony of other medical 



272 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

gentlemen, and as it embodied great professional interest, 
I requested my friends, Drs. Detmold, Washington and 
Doane, to see it. They reached the house without delay, 
and, after examining minutely into all the facts, it was 
agreed that a bi-lateral section of the mouth of the womb 
should be made. Accordingly, without loss of time, I per- 
formed the operation in the following manner : — The pa- 
tient was brought to the edge of the bed, and laced on 
her back. The index finger of my left hand was introduced 
into the vagina as far as the roughness, which I supposed 
to be the original seat of the os tincce ; then a probe-pointed 
bistoury, the blade of which had been previously covered 
with a band of linen to within about four lines of its ex- 
tremity, was carried along my finger until the point reached 
the rough surface. I succeeded in introducing the point 
of the instrument into the centre of this surface, and then 
made an incision of the left lateral portion of the os, and, 
before withdrawing the bistoury, I made the same kind of 
incision on the right side. I then withdrew the instrument, 
and in about five minutes it was evident that the head of. 
the child made progress ; the mouth of the womb dilated 
almost immediately, and the contractions were of the most 
expulsive character. There seemed, however, to be some 
ground for apprehension that the mouth of the uterus 
would not yield with sufficient readiness, and I made an 
incision of the posterior lip through its centre^ extending 
the incision to within a line of the peritpneal cavity. In 
ten minutes from this time, Mrs. M. was delivered of a 
strong, full-grown child, whose boisterous <3ries were heard 



ABORTIONS OR MISCARRIAGES. 273 

with astonishment by the mother, and with sincere gratifi- 
cation by her medical friends. The expression of that wo- 
man's gratitude, in thus being preserved from what she 
and her friends supposed to be inevitable death, was an 
ample compensation for the anxiety experienced by those, 
who were the humble instruments of affording her relief. 
This patient recovered rapidly, and did not, during the 
whole of her convalescence, present one unpleasant symp- 
tom. It is now ten weeks since the operation, and she and 
her infant are in the enjoyment of excellent health. * * 
"It, indeed, seems too monstrous for belief that such 
gross violation of the laws of both God and man should be 
suffered in the very heart of a community professing to be 
Christian, and to be governed by law and good order. Yet 
these facts are known to all who can read. This creature's 
advertisements are to be seen in most of our daily papers ; 
there she invites the base and the guilty, the innocent and 
the unwary, to apply to her. She tells publicly what she 
can do, and, without the slightest scruple urges all to call 
on her who may be anxious to avoid having children. 
Here, then, is a premium offered for vice, to say nothing 
of the prodigal destruction of human life that must neces- 
sarily result from the abominations of this mercenary and 
heartless woman. With all the vigilance of the police of 
our city, and with every disposition, I am sure, on the part 
of the authorities to protect morals, and bring to merited 
punishment those who violate the sanctity of the law, this 
Madame Eestell, as she styles herself, has as yet escaped 
with impunity. Occupying the position I do, and fully 
13 



274 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

appreciating tlie important trusts confided to my care in 
connection with the department over which I have the 
honor to preside in the University, I have felt it to be a 
duty I owe to the community, to the profession, and to 
myself, publicly to expose the facts of this case ; and I fer- 
vently hope that the disclosures here made may tend to 
the arrest of this woman, and the infliction of the severest 
penalty of the law. ' ' 

The above case had a happy termination, and is not, 
therefore, an example of the worst consequences of such 
practice. We introduce it, however, because it is peculiar, 
and because it shows the danger of inflicting severe injuries 
upon the genital organs, when such an operation is at- 
tempted by persons not skilled in obstetrics. Had not 
competent medical counsel been at hand, this patient 
would have died, as thousands of others die from similar 
causes ; and the manipulations of the Restells, or other 
persons not educated in obstetrics, are as dangerous as 
those of the patients themselves, though perfectly harm- 
less in competent hands. Let us, therefore, warn patients, 
whatever the causes which justify the production of mis- 
carriage, or premature labor, never to attempt the opera- 
tion themselves, nor trust themselves in the hands of any 
person except an obstetrician of known integrity and ex- 
perience. Let us warn you to have nothing to do with the 
charlatans of both sexes, who swarm our country, either 
by purchasing their nostrums, or submitting to their ma- 
nipulations ; for they are destitute of moral principle, and 
for a Few paltry dollars, do not hesitate to incur the risk 



ABORTIONS OR MISCARRIAGES. 275 

of killing their patients. No drug or medicine should be 
taken unless furnished by a physician of character and ex- 
perience — in connection with the other necessary but 
harmless means — who understand modifying the violence 
of its action by a combination with other ingredients, so as 
to insure the effects without the violence or danger. Al- 
ways remember that in the midst of misfortunes, tempta- 
tions, and dangers, the only sure path to happiness is dis- 
cretion and virtue. 

Heed our admonition, we beseech thee! Thou poor 
victim of disease ; thou unfortunate daughter of drunkea 
parents, left without the counsel and instruction so neces- 
sary amidst the snares and devices of the world, almost 
driven by the sheer force of circumstances, to degradation 
and despair; thou, who hast struggled between poverty 
and virtue, and at length fallen beneath the wrongs and 
cruelties of society ; thou, poor orphan girl, left without a 
father's protection, or a mother's counsel and guidance, 
whose lonely pillow has oft been wet with tears — heed our 
warning, it is for thine own good ; disregard the things we 
lay before thee, and when thou liest upon thy dying bed, 
or when disease of body, and anguish of mind, fasten them- 
selves upon thee like grappling irons, for the rest of thy 
life, then mayest thou think of the word of warning, we so 
earnestly desire to press upon thee. Merciful God! re- 
move the scorn, the injustice, the awful retribution, society 
casts upon the unfortunate, while the grossly wicked are 
allowed to tread in the flowery paths of refined society. 

Among the fallen are some of the noblest specimens of 



276 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

men and women that ever came from the hand of the all- 
wise Creator, and a part of our life maybe profitably spent 
in seeking their health, happiness and restoration. Call 
us an enthusiast if thou wilt ; we claim to be a Christian, 
Where is thy Christianity, thou sectarian hypocrite, who 
strainest at a gnat, and swallowest a camel ? Hast thou 
one particle of that compassion, forgiveness and benevo- 
lence, which the good Physician of souls manifested upon 
earth ; and which constitutes the very soul and essence of 
Christianity ? Thou haughty man, who peradventure, hast 
»a loving wife to draw thee to thine own abode, who maketh 
thee to differ from other men? Circumstances! Thou 
proud woman reared in indolence and fashion, in the par- 
lor, and before the glass, who maketh thee to differ from 
other women ? Circumstances ! haughty man, vain 
woman, thy position in the world, thy loving and loved 
companions, family relations, and friendships, are the re- 
sult of circumstances, or the gifts of Providence, and thou 
art, after all, a thing of circumstance, changing with the 
wind every day thou livest. Learn, then, a lesson of hu- 
mility, or true wisdom, and boast not of thy strength while 
the evil days come not. 



8TERILITY AND IMPOTENCE. 277 



CHAPTER IX. 

STERILITY and impotence. 

When justifiable to guard against pregnancy — Its practicability — 
Amusing humbugs — The influence of children upon parents — In- 
teresting illustrations — Sterility in the male — How to detect it 
with the microscope — Causes and treatment of sterility in the 
male — Interesting and amusing cases — Causes of sterility in the 
female — Malformations, organic diseases, derangement of the 
menstrual function, unsuitable marriages, etc. — Unknown causes 
— An example — Remarks upon the treatment of sterility — Its 
curability — Impotence in the female — The causes and treatment 
— Impotence in the male common — The usual causes — Malforma- 
tions, continued continence, anxiety and fear at the consummation 
of marriage — Sexual diseases and self-abuses the most frequent 
causes — Horrible consequences of seminal weakness, and impo- 
tence arising from self-abuses — Remarks upon the principles of 
treatment — Its curability — Important mechanical invention — Its 
great success. 

In the preceding chapter we have pointed out those con- 
ditions of females which necessitated the induction of early 
miscarriages, or premature labors. But it is much better, 
in such extreme cases, to guard against the occurrence of 
pregnancy. This would save much anxiety and sickness, 
to say nothing about exorbitant doctors' bills. We also 
find many delicate females, whose systems break down and 



278 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

become prematurely old by too frequent and difficult labors, 
which may be another reason for limiting the number of 
offspring. Again, the good of society, and the prosperity 
and happiness of many families, who have not the means 
to support and educate a large number of children, de- 
mand that some limit should be placed to their increase. 
Now, in all such cases, the prevention of conception, as it 
is usually called, is a matter of science, and can be effected 
with little trouble, and no danger to the patient. But the 
habit of drugging and buying those dirty, miserable con- 
trivances, advertised in those little catch-penny works, is a 
waste of time and money, and af damage to the health ; 
for they are a cheat upon unwary and unsophisticated 
females, being designed merely to make money without ren- 
dering an honest equivalent. 

We have looked into this subject, and have taken pains 
to collect a number of instruments, and even medicines, 
sold to prevent conception, which we have kept as monu- 
ments of the gross imposture, and deep degradation of 
their authors. One fellow in New York, advertises an in- 
strument for this purpose, for which he claims French 
origin, and asserts that it is extensively used among French 
ladies, and that he is the sole agent in the United States. 
Now, the truth is, the French never saw such a thing, and 
if offered to a French lady, she would throw it at the fool's 
head. Another fellow in Albany, N. Y., advertises a 
thing, which he calls an " Electro-Preventive, " and in 
connection with this, he reminds young people, that he 
can furnish them with "love powders," which will enable 



STERILITY AND IMPOTENCY. 279 

them to win the " devoted affections" of any persons 
towards whom they may feel the promptings of '" passion- 
ate attraction;" also powders which will "make a lady 
tell all she knows? 1 it is only necessary to drop a little 
upon any part of the dress. Wonderful astrologist ! 
Reader ! this is no exaggeration. The pamphlets are be- 
fore us, in which these ridiculous things are advertised. 
Ladies are very carefully informed, that these preventives 
can be carried about their persons, and be ready for use at 
all times, and under all circumstances ; as* though a decent 
female needs a preventive every time she attends a ball or 
tea-party. Notwithstanding the wholesome laws, which 
we find in all our statute books, against such fraudulent 
and pernicious transactions, these things are allowed to 
exist, especially in Gotham and its suburbs. 

Now, in regard to all such contrivances, one remark will 
suffice, viz. : they are vile cheats, and totally fail of the 
objects for which they are recommended, and no female 
should countenance such ridiculous things, proceeding from 
such vile sources. 

But the object of this chapter is to describe those in- 
firmities, which prevent the propagation of our species, 
and to show how we can have children, and not how it can 
be prevented. Children are often the source of domestic 
happiness, the pledge of affection, the delight and joy of 
parents, who look upon their physical and mental develop- 
ment with the utmost pride and solicitude. Without them 
there is a void in the domestic circle which nothing else 
can fill. Their innocent prattle and peevish disposition ; 



280 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

their trust and affection ; their hate and selfishness ; their 
thrilling laugh and hateful cry ; their place at the table 
and place in the nursery ; their increasing growth and in- 
creasing exposures and dangers ; and the trouble and ex- 
pense of their support and education, are all, if properly 
viewed, but so many drops in the cup of domestic happiness. 

Parents are often concerned about the education of their 
children, and often speak of the ways and means to be em- 
ployed for this purpose ; and this is right, for the greatest 
results for good or evil depend iipon the education, disci- 
pline, and surroundings of the young. But they seldom 
think of the influence which children exert in forming the 
habits and moulding the characters of the parents. It 
seems to be one great design of children and the family 
relationship to exert just this reflex influence — the educa- 
tion of the parents through their children. From them 
they derive constant lessons of trust, faith, patience, for- 
bearance, forgiveness, generosity, economy, and industry, 
the most important lessons of life. 

One of the best examples of the influence of children 
upon parents, is seen in the familiar speech of the family. 
In his lectures on language, Max Miller has shown that 
the common people, who think least, form the great bulk 
of a language. Their modes of speech and pronunciation 
are incorporated and embedded in the idioms, phrases, 
newly coined words, and growth of a language, more com- 
pletely than those of the most educated and refined classes. 
But the influence which children exert in forming the 
language of the family circle is practical, and still more 



STERILITY AOT IMPOTEXCY. 281 

efficient. Words work their way upwards from the lower 
to the higher degrees of intelligence far more frequently 
than persons generally suppose, just as water is boiled by 
putting the fire under and not above the fluid, taking ad- 
vantage of the law by which heated fluids become lighter 
and rise to the top, carrying up the heat with them. The 
effort of a parent to communicate ideas to his child leads 
him to simplify his language as much as possible, and there 
are multitudes of words and phrases in every language that 
have grown out of such necessity. 

A great change is produced in the relations of husband 
and. wife to the rest of the world, and to each other, 
through the influence of their children. In the birth of 
their first child there comes an inspiration, which is one of 
the greatest experiences of life ; the great Author of exist- 
ence seeming to say to them as the daughter of Pharaoh 
said to the mother of Moses, ' c Take this child and nurse 
it for me, and I will give thee wages. ' ! It gives to the 
life of those parents a new and higher impulse and ambi- 
tion. The education of the children gradually unites them 
in a new and higher wedlock, a oneness of purpose out of 
which arises a new train of duties and relations towards 
each other, and towards the world, and all are moulded 
and conformed to the interest and happiness of the family 
circle. All the cares and anxieties which children give in 
their infancy and youth, all the pains and diseases they 
suffer are in reality the processes of a broad, generous sys- 
tem of education, through which parents are instructed 
and disciplined for the great work of life. 



282 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

We need children to grow up and settle around us as a 
comfort and solace in our declining years. How lonely, 
and dreary, and sorrow-stricken must be the old man, and 
the old woman, when infirmity and sickness come upon 
them, if they are deprived of the affection and kind 
ohices of children and grandchildren ? However pleasantly 
situated in other respects, if these are lacking, their con- 1 
dition must be sad and melancholy. We go out of the 
world by nearly the same changes as we came into it. We 
begin as children, we grow up to manhood, and, at length, 
we decline and again become childlike. We return to the 
same weak and helpless condition as we were at first ; and 
we have need of the same generous and tender offices we 
once bestowed upon our children ; and how wise the ar- 
rangement; our children now take pleasure in repaying 
that kindness. This is the work of natural affection and 
relationship. Beasts, birds, and fishes render no such 
services to their old and decrepid ; the old decaying oak is 
not benefited by such an arrangement, but it stands alone 
unsupported by others, a venerable monument of the 
mutability of all things earthly. 

Sterility is, therefore, the greatest earthly misfortune to 
persons who possess the means properly to support and 
educate children. Nothing else can fill this void in one's 
existence. Wealth cannot atone for it ; and the adoption 
of other children is a poor subterfuge. We have seen a 
lady of refinement burst into tears at the sight of a chubby 
boy born of a beggar woman, as though the ability to 
propagate one's species were denied the more wealthy and 



STERILITY AND IMPOTENCE. 283 

refined, while the poorer classes bring forth in safety and 
rear a hardy brood. This difference, however, would not 
exist were the immutable laws of our being better under- 
stood and more closely observed. 

In addition to the instinct connected with the propaga- 
tion of our species, the foregoing are some of the reasons 
why people should bring into the world and rear offspring. 

Let us, therefore, proceed to notice some of the causes 
and conditions of sterility and impotence, and also some of 
the principles of treatment. 

Sterility in the male is a very uncommon condition, 
except it be the result of impotence ; still it exists, and, 
therefore, should receive a passing notice. Sterility usually 
belongs to females, and impotence to males, as we shall 
Bhow in its proper place ; but these conditions are some- 
times reversed, that is, a man, who is perfectly competent 
to perform the sexual act, may be unable to propagate his 
species ; and conditions may exist on the part of the wo- 
man to prevent sexual contact, who would otherwise be 
fruitful. 

In modern times, the microscope has revealed wonders 
upon this as well as other subjects ; and is the means by 
which we now decide the question of sterility in the male. 
It is now known, as we have explained in our chapter on 
the male genital organs, that the spermatozoa is the vital 
principle of the seminal fluid ; if, therefore, we take a little 
of this fluid and place it under a microscope of the proper 
power, and the spermatozoa are seen to be without motion, 
or if they are absent, we know the man cannot beget a 



284 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

child ; but if their motions are brisk, indicating that they 
are alive, healthy, and vigorous, we know the man is 
fruitful. There is, however, a third condition. The sper- 
matozoa may be in motion, but their motions may be very 
sluggish, as though they were very feeble and half dead, in 
which case pregnancy may possibly take place, but the 
offspring are apt to be puny and sickly, and to die in the 
cradle or before reaching maturity. 

This is not mere supposition, but demonstration; we 
actually see these things, and we know their results, and 
thus many physiological facts belonging to the sexual sys- 
tem are clearly explained, which, otherwise, must nave re- 
mained mysterious. And in addition to the importance of 
such knowledge, enabling us to decide the question of 
sterility in the male, and to devise and direct a scientific 
course of treatment, the following brief incident is a good 
illustration of its possible uses in other respects : — 

Some years ago a distinguished practitioner in another 
country, now passed from this stage of action, had a patient 
of position and wealth, whose semen he had examined 
from time to time, finding him perfectly sterile, though 
fully capable of performing the sexual act. This man had 
the indiscretion of forming a sort of irregular conjugal alli- 
ance with a sprightly young widow, who, to every outward 
appearance, was very charming and very respectable. 
Time passed, and this charming creature became pregnant, 
and according to the processes of natural law, a living child 
was born into the world, and the sterile patient was the 
victim charged as being the father, and proceedings were 



STERILITY AND IMPOTENCY. 285 

being entered by way of fleecing him pretty heavily for the 
support of the young defendant; but the doctor being 
called upon to use his influence, and not having a con- 
science to decline the responsibility, soon convinced the 
woman herself, and all others concerned, that the child 
must have been sired by some more spermatozoic man ; 
and here the matter rested, and the patient was saved the 
injustice of supporting another man's child. 

Sterility in the male, whose semen is in a healthy con- 
dition, and who is capable of performing the sexual act, 
may be produced by stricture of the urethra, preventing 
the ejaculation of the semen into the vagina. In such 
cases the semen remains behind the stricture, slowly to 
dribble away, or to be brought away with the urine after- 
wards ; or, as sometimes happens to be thrown backwards 
into the bladder by a spasmodic action of the urethra be- 
hind the stricture. The only efficient treatment in such 
cases will suggest itself to the mind of any person, viz. , 
the cure of the stricture, which requires all the careful 
manipulations and skill of the experienced practitioner. 

Such sterility may also arise from a malformation of the 
penis known as hypospadia, in which the urethra, instead 
of opening at the end of the penis, terminates underneath 
at its base, through which the urine and semen must 
escape. Such a man must be sterile, though capable of 
sexual intercourse, because the semen escapes outside of 
the vagina. A patient of this description, anxious to have 
children, once consulted the celebrated John Hunter, who 
advised him to catch the semen in a syringe and squirt it 



286 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

into his wife's vagina. The advice was followed, and it is 
stated that the woman became pregnant, and, in due time, 
gave birth to a child; but we cannot ourselves vouch for 
any striking resemblance between the child and its reputed 
papa. 

A man who is impotent, as we have before intimated, is 
necessarily sterile, from 4 whatever causes his impotence 
arises. Though his semen be in a normal condition, he 
cannot beget children, because he cannot have sexual in- 
tercourse, and his barrenness must, therefore, continue as 
long as the impotence continues, the only treatment being 
the cure of the impotence. But more upon this subject 
presently when we come to treat of this latter infirmity. 
The same thing may be said of the female ; any obstruc- 
tion on her part, which prevents intercourse, is, of course, 
a certain cause of sterility, while it remains. In addition 
to this cause, to be noticed more fully in its proper place, 
the general conditions of sterility in the female may be 
enumerated as follows : — 

Malformations, organic and functional diseases of the 
genital organs, derangement of the general system, un- 
suitable unions, and unknown causes. Let us direct our 
attention briefly to these conditions : 

1. Malformations ! The womb and the ovaries may 
be absent, or they may be but partially developed, or there 
may be some defect in their structure or formation, en- 
tirely precluding any manifestation of the generative 
function, though there may be no obstruction to the mere 
act of coition. As an evidence of some such condition, we 



STERILITY AND IMPOTENCY. 287 

wish especially to call attention to the menstrual function. 
This discharge conies from the cavity of the womb, and is 
intimately connected with the action of the ovaries, which 
is proved by the extirpation of the ovaries for the cure of 
diseases, and by experiments upon the lower animals. If 
both ovaries are removed in the lower animals they cease 
to breed ; if they are removed in women they not only 
cease to breed but they cease to menstruate. If, therefore, 
a woman has never menstruated there is, probably, an ab- 
sence of the womb or ovaries, or they are defective in de- 
velopment, or so deformed as to render the female hope- 
lessly barren. But if she ever did menstruate, though, it 
were but once, it shows that these organs are sufficiently 
developed to take on generative action, and the sterility 
may be susceptible of cure under skillful treatment, care- 
fully looking to all the circumstances of the case. 

2. Organic and functional diseases ! Tumors 
within the cavity of the womb, the most common of which 
is polypus; tumors of the ovaries and ovarian dropsy; 
congestions, inflammations, and ulcerations of the womb ; 
occlusion of the Fallopian tubes from inflammatory action ; 
and stricture of the neck of the womb, usually at the in- 
ternal os uteri, are some of the organic diseases, which, at 
times, render a female barren. Some of these, in proper 
hands, are perfectly curable, others not so. Barrenness 
depending upon stricture of the neck of the womb has 
never, so far as our experience goes, resisted the appro- 
priate treatment. A habit of miscarriages, pointed out in 
our chapter on abortions and miscarriages, is a very com- 



288 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

nion cause of barrenness, almost always curable by skillful 
treatment. Any derangement of the menstrual function, 
such as dysmenorrhoea or painful menstruation, monor- 
rhagia or profuse menstruation, amenorrhoea or the sup- 
pression or absence of the menses. Leucorrhoeal dis- 
charges, or the whites, will sometimes prevent conception 
during their continuance. Many women, hpwever, readily 
become pregnant when suffering from one or more of these 
. disorders. They are all curable under proper treament. 
Displacements of the womb, such as we have described in 
another chapter, are frequent causes of sterility, but not 
always, for some women will readily conceive with con- 
siderable displacement of this organ, especially prolapsus 
uteri. The treatment of sterility arising from this cause 
consists, of course, in the cure or relief of the displacement. 
A viciated condition of the reproductive system pro- 
ducing sterility, may arise from diseases of the general 
system, such as constitutional syphilis, scrofula, anaemia, 
nervous prostration, etc. Obesity is a common cause of 
sterility, hence we find that women who grow fat are often 
barren. The relation between the ovaries and fatty tissue 
is so intimate that the healthy action of the former is 
often greatly impaired by the excessive accumulation of 
Jhe latter. Fat women are, therefore, poor breeders. But 
such sterility is usually curable under a judicious plan of 
general and local treatment. Fortunately we are possessed 
of remedial agents, which act directly upon the repro- 
ductive system, arousing into action the ovaries, and 
causing them to furnish the ovum or female germ. Such 



STERILITY AND IMPOTENCE. 289 

agents judiciously but not rashly employed, in connection 
with the general treatment, will usually effect the object 
desired. 

3. Unsuitable unions! These sometimes give rise to 
such strong niorr.l aversion between the parties as to render 
them perfectly sterile. And this is not' much to be re- 
gretted, as the children of such parents are not apt to 
grow up an ornament to . themselves or to society, though 
we find some exceptions. It often happens that a man 
and wife, though perfectly capable of sexual congress, are 
barren towards each other, both of whom become fruitful 
upon being divorced and united to more suitable com- 
panions. This, of course, we do not lay down as a general 
principle, for we have already shown . that pregnancy may 
even follow a rape, but as a rare cause of sterility it is 
worthy of note in this connection. Such moral aversion 
between married parties as disgust, contempt, hatred, and 
a vehement desire to be released from each other and to be 
united to other persons supposed to be more suitable, 
especially in the higher walks of society, may be laid 
down as one of the causes of sterility. Many persons of 
position, wealth, and refinement have sought to be re- 
leased from their matrimonial engagements upon this 
ground ; and upon being united with more suitable com- 
panions have been as fruitful as other people. A few of 
these cases have come under our own observation, and a 
great many more are on record, but nearly all of them are 
unexposed on account of the delicacy and disgrace which 
accompany them. 
19 



290 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

We cannot dwell long upon this point, but will introduce 
a notorious case as an example. It occurred in France, in 
1654. The Marquis of Lanquey, aged twenty-five years, 
married a lady between thirteen and fourteen years of age. 
They lived happily as man and wife for four years ; and a 
short absence from home, induced the marchioness to ex- • 
press great anxiety and tenderness of affection for the re- 
turn of the marquis. Soon after this the artful wife 
accused the husband of impotence, and declared herself a 
virgin. The marquis was piqued at this, and demanded the 
custom then sanctioned by the laws of his country, viz., a 
trial by congress, as it was called. The judge ordered it ; 
the lady appealed, but the decree was confirmed, and there 
was no other alternative. Hence, a jury of five physicians, 
five surgeons, and five matrons was empanneled to see the 
act of congress performed, and to report. They filled 
their report with the most ludicrous and obscene details, 
not fit to be named here, and they gave their decision 
against the marquis. The marriage was, therefore, de- 
clared void, and the husband was decreed to pay all costs, 
return the fortune he had received from his wife, and not 
to marry again. But the marquis submitted a legal pro- 
test against the decision that he was impotent, and declared 
his intention to marry another woman. In short, the lady 
married another man by whom she had three children, and 
the marquis married again and had seven children. 

This lady, upon her death bed, acknowledged that her 
husband had not been impotent, but that she wished to 
have the marriage annulled, and resorted to a ludicrous 



STERILITY AND IMPOTENCY. 291 

stratagem for the purpose. This was not, therefore, a 
ease of impotence, but one of sterility between persons, 
both of whom became fruitful when united to more suit- 
able companions. It is, of course, difficult, in any par- 
ticular case, to determine before-hand whether sterility de- 
pend upon any such moral aversion; but a treatment 
altogether different from that resorted to above may 
be equally efficient, and more direct, if not more scien- 
tific. 

4. Unknown and uncertain causes of sterility! 
General practitioners are seldom consulted in cases of ste- 
rility, as there is a prevalent opinion among the people 
confirmed by the stupidity of such practitioners that this 
infirmity is usually incurable. But the physician who 
gains a reputation for its cure will often be consulted by 
sterile women in whom he will be unable, after the most 
careful and minute investigation, to satisfy himself as to 
the condition on which the sterility depends. He knows 
there is some deranged action, or want of proper action 
of the reproductive system, but the nature of this derange- 
ment and the causes which produced it may be entirely 
hidden from the scrutiny of the greatest expert in this de- 
partment of practice. We wish to call special attention 
to this subject, as it seems to be entirely ignored in our 
text books upon obstetrics, their authors taking it for 
granted that every case of sterility may be traced to its 
legitimate cause, which is a great error. That some cause 
exists, or has existed, is most obvious, but the idea that it 
is always in the power of man to search out that cause 



292* THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

is a hasty and blundering conclusion, not warranted by ex- 
perience. 

We have been consulted by many such patients. Take 
a case as an example. Mrs. B. of New York has made 
us a visit complaining that she is childless, or that she has 
become barren, before that period of life when women 
cease to menstruate and=to bear children. Her husband is 
a middle-aged man in good health, and she has no reason 
to doubt his entire ability to procreate his species, and 
they are both anxious to have, 

" A baby in the cradle, a well-spring of pleasure." 

Upon an examination of this patient, we find that she is 
not excessively fat, nor of a feeble relaxed tissue, but that 
her general health, in every respect, is in a good condition. 
We satisfy ourselves that there are no tumors or other 
abnormal growths of the womb or ovaries, no congestions, 
inflammations, or ulcerations of those organs. And as the 
husband's desire to have a child to lead about, to idolize, 
to chasten, and to inherit his property knows no bounds, 
he requests us, as he expresses it, to give his wife a 
thorough overhauling, to see what there is to be set at 
rights. We, therefore, carry this examination further 
than is usually necessary ; we introduce the speculum to 
see if there is any disease of the vagina, or mouth of the 
womb ; but in this case we find them in a perfectly normal 
condition ; we also introduce a silver sound into the womb, 
but we find no obstruction to the ingress of the spermatic 
fluid. 



STERILITY AND IMPOTENCY. 293 

Here, then, is a sterile female, in whom the most careful 
and thorough examination, fails, to reveal the condition on 
which the sterility depends ; and the physician inexpe- 
rienced in this branch of practice would, at once, jump at 
the conclusion that the sterility must depend upon an * 
occlusion of the Fallopian tubes— something entirely hidden 
from our inspection during the life of the patient — but in 
this conclusion he would be in error ninety-nine times in a 
hundred ; for such a cause, though it sometimes exists, is 
exceedingly rare, while the sterility we are describing is 
very common ; moreover, the occlusion of the Fallopian 
tubes is permanent and cannot be cured, but sterility de- 
pending upon some unknown cause, such as we have de- 
scribed, is usually curable, which the records of our prac- 
tice fully attest. 

A few additional words as to the treatment of sterility ! 
We have for years past been engaged more or less in the 
investigation and treatment of the diseases and infirmities 
of the sexual system, and with the exception of some rare 
cases depending upon malformations, etc. , we can give the 
reader the fullest assurance that sterility is perfectly curable. 
In most cases we can treat this infirmity successfully with- 
out a personal interview. We have furnished corres- 
pondence to and fro for years, and many persons unable to 
make us a personal visit have succeeded in attaining the 
object desired. Our remedies can' always be sent by ex- 
press, and sometimes by mail, to distant portions of the 
country. 

Persons addressing us by letter should carefully read 



294 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

over our description of this infirmity, and, without at- 
tempting the use of technicalities, give us all the informa- 
tion possible as to their real condition, viz. : the condition 
of their general system, healthy or unhealthy, fat or feeble ; 
also the age, general health, etc. of the husband; the 
condition of the menstrual function, and the existence of 
any diseases of the sexual organs that may be known to 
the patient ; whether she has ever borne a child, has ever 
miscarried or suffered injury from difficult or artificial de- 
livery. Upon the receipt of such letters we elicit other 
facts, if necessary, by a future correspondence, and furnish 
a treatment appropriate to the case. 

It is not our purpose in writing this book to supercede 
our usefulness to ourselves by attempting to point out how 
such patients can treat themselves ; for this would be a 
useless task. Nor is it our intention to reveal, in full, our 
treatment to the profession. The idea which seems to 
prevail that a physician, whose incessant labors has de- 
veloped something new and useful in medicine, is bound 
to make it known to the profession or to the world without 
reaping any advantage from it himself is too frivolous to 
merit attention. He is bound to do no such thing : it is 
simply a matter of choice. In time, it is true, all useful 
discoveries in medicine are made known to the profession, 
and incorporated into its literature. In this way the pro* 
fession moves. But the motive is one of selfishness — the 
love of honor and position, if not of pecuniary gain, being 
the incentive. We, therefore, influenced by the common 
motives of humanity, offer our treatment upon fair and 



STERILITY AND IMPOTENCE. 295 

reasonable terms, which is as fair and honest as could be 
desired. 

Let us now pass to consider another infirmity of the 
sexual system, to which we have already made frequent 
reference, and which, in some respects, is intimately con- 
nected with the foregoing, viz. : — 

Impotence ! Any incapacity for sexual congress is that 
condition of the sexual organs known as impotence ; and 
we shall proceed briefly to notice some of the causes and 
conditions of this infirmity ; also our plan of treatment, 
consisting in part of the use of a mechanical invention. 

Impotence in females! We have already shown that 
sterility is very rare in males, but very common in females. 
Impotence, on the contrary, is very common in males, but 
very unfrequent in females; but it sometimes exists in 
females, and, therefore, we will give it a passing notice. 
It may depend upon any kind of malformations, obstruc- 
tions, or diseases preventing the sexual approach. An 
imperforate hymen, and a hymen so tough and rigid as to 
prevent all attempts at intercourse, are the most common 
conditions of impotence in the female. The remedy for 
this is very simple when entrusted to proper hands. For 
further information upon this subject the reader is referred 
to our description of the hymen in our chapter on the 
female genital organs. We have also given an interesting 
case of the rigid contraction of the orifice of the vagina, 
• which rendered a woman impotent for three years, but 
which readily yielded to the appropriate treatment. A vi- 
cious deformity of the female sexual organs known as 



296 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

hermaphrodism will usually prevent sexual contact. This 
consists of an enlarged clitoris resembling a boy's penis, 
and the adhesion of the labia, qr an imperforate hymen, 
obstructing the passage to the vagina ; and an operation 
consisting of the removal of the clitoris, and making an 
opening into the vagina, has, at once, converted a person 
supposed to be a man, or half man and half woman, into a 
true woman, demanding the exchange of pants for petti- 
coats. Impotence arising from any of these causes is, 
therefore, perfectly curable. But when it depends upon 
the absence of the vagina, or when this organ is very im- 
perfectly and slightly developed, it is, of course, incurable. 
Such cases are fortunately very rare ; we have never seen 
but two ; in one there was an imperforate hymen. Upon 
making an opening through it we found the vagina so 
small that it could hardly admit one inch of our little 
finger. 

Impotence in the male may depend upon various condi- 
tions, such as malformations, long continued continence, 
mental emotions, sexual abuses, and diseases of various 
kinds, etc. 

1. Malformations! The absence of the testes or of the 
penis, or their deficient development, or their destruction 
by accidents or diseases, may be set down as irremediable 
causes of impotence. It sometimes happens, however, 
that the testes are fully formed and retained in the abdo- 
men, never descending into the scrotum, the presumption 
being that such a person has no testicles, and cannot, there- 
fore, procreate his species. But he may be just as compe- 



STERILITY AND I31P0TENCY. 297 

tent as though the testicles had descended into the scrotum. 
Moreover, if there is a congenital absence of one testicle, 
or if one has been lost by accident or disease — the other, or 
even a portion of the other being in a sound condition — it 
may not interfere materially with the ability to copulate, 
and also to generate the species. We have known a man 
with the absence of one testicle, the other not being one 
third the usual size, to become the father of a number of 
children the very image of their papa. 

But deformities of the sexual organs rendering men im- 
potent are exceedingly rare. In ten thousand cases of im- 
potence we should not be likely to find more than one or 
two depending upon such causes. We will not, therefore, 
dwell upon them. ■ 

2. Continued continence ! That perfect continence 
continued for a long time after attaining full manhood, 
will sometimes render a person impotent, we have the 
fullest evidence. At first thought, this statement might 
not seem reasonable, as continence is the very oppo- 
site of sexual excess, which we know to be a fruitful cause 
of impotence. But both" extremes are bad, and work de- 
gradation to the sexual system. The same physiological 
principle applies to every organ and part of the body. 
Exclude a person from the light for a long time and 
the eyes become shrunk, the optic nerve more or less 
paralyzed, and the power of vision partially or totally de- 
stroyed; for light is the natural stimulus of the eyes. 
Fishes excluded from the light for ages, as in the great 
cave of Kentucky, entirely lose their eyes. Being de- 



298 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

prived of their natural stimulus, they become atrophied ; 
till there is not the vestige of an eye left. Put the arm in 
splints and continue it there for a sufficient length of time, 
and it will waste away and become paralytic, because it is 
deprived of the stimulus of exercise ; so the arm of the 
blacksmith becomes larger and stronger by exercise. Now 
the sexual organs are not excluded from the effects of this 
general law. Deprive them of their peculiar stimulus for 
a long time and they will shrink in bulk, become flaccid, 
and there will be a partial or total loss of sexual power. 

Religious fanatics, who undertake to trample under foot 
the commands of Jehovah — for his commands are revealed 
in his laws — and eschew marriage under the monstrous 
assumption that it is inconsistent with their spiritual 
duties, do not escape with impunity ; for, in addition to 
the perversion of heart and intellect, which such a viola- 
tion of physical law is sure to produce, they not unfre- 
quently find themselves totally impotent, if they wish at 
any time to change their relations towards this wicked 
world. Such cases, however, are perfectly curable unless 
confirmed by poor health and old age. 

3. Impotence may arise from mental aberrations, and 
emotions, such as fear, hate, love of anticipated pleasure, 
absence of mind, etc. It often happens that extreme 
anxiety connected with the anticipated consummation of 
marriage, the fear of not finding everything right, or 
of not acquitting himself with decorum, will prostrate 
all sexual power in the young married man: and wo 
ha\e seen older men in the same unhappy condition 



, STERILITY AND IMPOTENCE. 299 

upon their first or second marriage. This is a vexatious and 
mortifying predicament, but it is curable. Many such* 
patients have visited our office, so agitated and alarmed 
about themselves, that they could hardly keep quiet long 
enough to relate their misfortunes. Our treatment, in 
these cases, is always effectual. We give a preparation 
consisting of a few remedial agents, which act directly 
upon the sexual organs, and such directions as the 
nature of the case requires, and the patient speedily finds 
himself possessed of his usual vigor. These cases do not 
always speedily cure themselves, as some writers seem to 
intimate ; for, without treatment, they have been known 
to continue for months or years, or to become obstinately 
confirmed for life. 

We sometimes meet with men who are impotent towards 
their wives though not towards other women, not as the 
result of any want of physical adaptation, but the want of 
affection, or the possession of some moral unfitness par- 
taking of the character of a mere brutal passion. One of 
our patients confessed his inability to complete sexual in- 
tercourse with his wife, unless, by an effort of the fancy, 
he held in his imagination the form of some more volup- 
tuous female. 

Any person, however vigorous in his physical capacity, 
who anticipates sexual intercourse with too intense eager- 
ness and delight, will seldom perform the act with decency. 
Many libertines have confessed, that after waiting and 
Beeking an opportunity from time to time, when it, at 
length, arrived they had no power to take advantage of it. 



300 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

A nervous anxiety completely prostrated all sexual power, 
and the anticipated victim was saved from ruin. This, 
therefore, has its wise ordinance. 

If the imagination wander from the task, temporary 
impotence may be the result, and many authors are. of 
the opinion that impregnation may be impeded from the 
presence of ideas which interfere with the proper perform- 
ance of the generative act. Sterne has commented on this 
point when he introduces his maternal parent as asking at 
a most untimely moment, whether his " father had not for- 
gotten to wind up the clock. ' ' His views are strictly physio- 
logical ; such is the power of the moral over the physical 
condition of man. 

4. Sexual abuses ! In some of their forms sexual abuses 
are by far the most common causes of impotence in the 
male. Judging from our own practice, we should think 
nineteen twentieths of all such disorders arise from these 
pernicious causes. All the causes of spermatorrhoea or 
seminal weakness— to be described in the next chapter- 
are, therefore, fruitful causes of impotence : indeed impo- 
tence itself is but another step in the downward course of 
a patient laboring under involuntary seminal losses. If, 
therefore, this infirmity is not arrested by a judicious and 
persevering course of treatment, it is sure to run on to the 
total prostration of all sexual power; for, unlike many 
other diseases, it never cures itself. The best authorities 
are unanimous upon this subject, and, if possible,we desire 
more indelibly to impress this fact upon the minds of our 
readers. Though perfectly curable by an enlightened 



STERILITY AND IMPOTENCY. 301 

course of treatment, if left to itself spermatorrhoea never 
gets well, but ends in total impotence. 

We, therefore, urge the reader, who has the least occa- 
sion for apprehension, to give the succeeding chapter a 
careful perusal, especially that portion of it which sets 
forth the chief causes of spermatorrhoea, such as sexual 
excesses exhausting the wile powers ; venereal diseases, 
viz. : claps followed by gleets, strictures, irritable bladder, 
etc. ; and syphilis followed by constitutional symptoms, 
such as cutaneous eruptions, foul ulcers, pains in the bones, 
etc. ; and that unnatural, filthy, and destructive habit, 
which we cannot too severely stigmatize, known as mastur- 
bation. 

There is nothing more deplorable and humiliating to a 
man of sense and pride of character than to become 
partially or totally impotent, especially if produced by 
sexual abuses, for in this case a keen sense of self-destruc- 
tion, and mental agony, is superadded to bodily infirmity ; 
and there is nothing more disgusting and contemptible to 
an affectionate, well-formed woman with whom he ma} 7 be 
united in matrimony. Can it be supposed that the sym- 
pathies and physical powers of a beautiful woman are in 
unison with those of a man whose best energies were long 
ago expended in lawless sexual excitement, and vicious 
sexual abuses ? whose youth has been a hurried history of 
wild and reckless enjoyment; whose faculties have been 
lashed past the natural powers of endurance, and who now 
brings his decrepid efforts, as a worthless offering at the 
shrine of matrimonial sanctity? Is there a mockery more 



302 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

deep, more bitter, than that desolation, of spirit which an 
affectionate woman must feel on finding that she is united 
to a mere wreck of sensualism, the horrible victim of self- 
pollution? Woman's scorn must be intensified from the 
nature of her position, because she is precluded from 
giving vent to her feelings of anger and vexation. Love 
cannot be reciprocal in such cases ; animal impulse prefers 
that which is more accordant with itself; even beasts prefer 
males possessed of vigor, power, and beauty ; and this in* 
stinct is implanted by nature in the genus homo; and 
whatever changes in our feelings and manners civilization 
may effect, it cannot extinguish this instinct. 

A gentleman of high connections, and apparently pos- 
sessed of every requisite to make life happy, was un- 
expectedly found dead in his bed ; a pistol, the instrument 
of his death, was clenched in his hand ; none being able to 
account for the rash act, and, doubtless, but for his own 
revelation it would have remained for ever a secret. Upon 
a piece of paper, in his own hand-writing, were discovered 
these words, " I am impotent and unfit to live. ' ' Scarce a 
day passes that deaths by suicide are not recorded, where 
no cause can be assigned for the deed, many of which, 
could we explore the secrets of the dead, we are inclined 
to believe would be placed in the category of sexual in- 
firmities and diseases. 

An opinion generally prevails, confirmed by the careless 
statements of some authors, who have had little experience 
in this department of medicine, that it is perfectly natural 
for a man to become impotent about the age of sixty, 



STERILITY AND IMPOTENCY. 303 

which is a very great mistake. Impotence at thi3 period 
of life, or at any time previous, is not a natural condition, 
but depends upon some vicious cause, such as poor health, 
organic diseases of the genital organs, or sexual abuses of 
various kinds; and they are usually curable, unless the 
constitution is absolutely broken down. In females, it is 
true, the child-bearing period is limited to about the forty- 
fifth or sixth year of age, and seldom goes much beyond ; 
but there is no such limit fixed to man's generative powers. 
His powers depend altogether upon his general health, the 
integrity of his generative organs, or, if infirm, the in- 
vigorating and alterative treatment which he may be placed 
ugder. Men sometimes become fathers when they are 
eighty, ninety, or even a hundred years of age. Wm. 
Parr begot a child when he was a hundred and thirty years 
old, and lived to be a hundred and fifty. This, of course, 
is a remarkable case ; neither is it common for men to be- 
come parents at eighty, ninety, or a hundred years of age ; 
but such things occur often enough to show that the limit 
is not fixed by the number of years that a man has lived. 
But it is by no means uncommon for men to become 
fathers at the age of seventy and seventy-five. Informa- 
tion has just come to our knowledge of a man whom we 
have known from our childhood marrying the second time 
at seventy, and becoming a father at about seventy-one. 

By a judicious and persevering use of the treatment we 
now possess for the restoration and perpetuation of the 
sexual powers, a man may retain his capability, if mode- 
rately employed, to an advanced age — and every man ad- 



304 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

vanced in years should have the decency and discretion to 
employ his sexual powers with moderation. This treat- 
ment consists, for the most part, of tonic and alterative 
remedies, calculated to invigorate and strengthen the 
general systeni 3 and remedies which act directly upon the 
sexual organs, together with the employment of a 

Mechanical invention, which we shall now explain. 
But first a few words upon the structures of the organ to 
which the instrument is applied, and the phenomena of 
erection. The penis is abundantly supplied "with arteries, 
veins, absorbents, lymphatics, nerves, and a cellulo-vascular 
structure, which is the erectile tissue peculiar to the genital 
organs. The reader will, therefore, perceive that ttyis 
organ is composed of very loose structures, and capable of 
considerable expansion. Now a lascivious impression 
made upon the mind by the irritating effects of the seminal 
fluid in the seminal vesicles, by friction of the external 
organs, or any other cause whatsoever, is, at once, trans- 
mitted through that wonderful mechanism, the reflex 
nervous system, to the nerves which supply the organ; and 
this nervous force, accompanied by the peculiar lascivious 
sensation, causes the organ to expand, and as the expan- 
sion takes place, the blood rushes into all its structures, 
till the vessels are completely filled, and we have the en- 
largement and rigidity known by the term erection. If, 
therefore, this nervous vigor be wanting, the organ does 
not expand, and no blood flows to the part, except as it 
flows to any other part for the purpose of nutrition, and 
we have that condition which we call impotence. 



STERILITY AND DIPOTENCY. 305 

Again : The flow of blood to the organ, in the frequency 
and quantity nature intended, not only depends upon the 
nervous action, but the perpetuation of the nervous action 
itself, and its restoration when lost, depends, in a very 
great measure, upon the presence of the blood ; for it is 
well known, that this fluid is a natural and healthful 
stimulus of the nerves which supply the organ. If, then, 
we could devise some means to produce an occasional flow 
of blood to the organ, we should certainly gain a most im- 
portant acquisition to our treatment of impotence. Reason- 
ing thus, we come to the conclusion that a small air pump 
could be constructed that would accomplish the very object 
desired. Upon making inquiry, however, we were in- 
formed — with how much truth we will not pretend to say 
— that a certain transatlantic surgeon had hit upon the 
same thing, and that its use, in his hands, gave the highest 
degree of satisfaction. If this be true, we cannot claim 
the origin of this invention ; but we think no one will deny 
us the credit of having brought it to its present state of 
convenience, utility, and perfection, as we now have them 
manufactured. 

This instrument consists of a receiver and exhauster. 
The receiver is made of flint glass of the clearest and 
strongest quality, so as to sustain accidental falls and blows 
without- breaking. It is a little expanded at the bottom 
and worked very smooth, and at the top it is rounded and 
pierced with a hole, over which a valve is very accurately 
and firmly fastened, allowing the air to escape but not to 
enter. The exhauster is made of drawn metal, and the 
20 



306 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

sucker and piston are so well constructed that they never 
get out of order. 

Now let us work the instrument ! Place the glass re- 
ceiver over the organ, in such a manner that it will rest 
air tight upon the surrounding parts. There will be no 
trouble in doing this properly if no bunches of hair are 
allowed to get under the glass, and if the parts are moistened 
with a little water. Now moisten the lower part of the 
exhauster, and place it over the top of the glass, and take 
the knob of the piston between the thumb and finger and work 
it up and down. Every stroke, of course, expels a small 
quantity of air, and its movements are so accurate, smooth, 
and easy, that you have no trouble in obtaining the precise 
amount of exhaustion that you may need. As the air is 
expelled, the organ expands, and the blood flows into all its 
structures upon the well known principle of atmospheric 
pressure, or as it is usually called, suction. The same 
principle is illustrated in the action of the common water 
pump, in sucking fluids through tubes, and in the infant 
"Sucking milk from the breast of the mother. 

The glass receiver is large enough to allow of consider- 
able empty space above and at the sides when the organ is 
fully erected ; but the exhauster is small, not being more 
than half the length of the glass, as nothing could be 
gained by having it longer, its present size being most con- 
venient. The instrument can now be used for the purpose 
of a small air pump, in experiments, amusements, etc. 
Any amount of force not over fifteen pounds to a square 
inch can be produced by the suction, a small part of which 



STERILITY AND IMPOTENCY. 307 

being sufficient in its application for the treatment of im- 
potence. 

The reader is now prepared to understand the great ad- 
vantage of this instrument in the treatment of partial or 
total loss of sexual power. The blood is made to flow to 
the organ, which is its natural and healthful stimulus, and 
greatly restores the health and vigor of the nerves which 
supply the organ ; also the occasional and gentle exercise 
of the organ with this instrument tends greatly to increase 
and perpetuate the vigor and healthful sensibility of all 
the structures which enter into its composition. It pro- 
duces some enlargement, but as there is always some 
atrophy, or wasting away of the organ in sexual debility, 
this is an additional recommendation. It is also proper to 
state that dame nature, sometimes indulging in freaks, 
denies to certain individuals the normal amount of de- 
velopment, which may be compensated for by this inven- 
tion. This is done upon the same principle that the 
nipple is drawn out and enlarged by the action of a breast- 
pump or the infant's mouth — an actual enlargement of one 
third or one half being produced. But it should always 
be used with great gentleness, and the rigidity should never 
be forced beyond its natural hardness ; and should not be 
continued long at any one time ; thus used no possible dis- 
advantage can arise from it. 

We made known this treatment to the profession a 
few years since in a book entitled, New Medical Revela- 
tions, after which we often received solicitations from 
physicians and others to furnish the instrument for them ; 



308 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

and hence we have had them manufactured and now keep 
them on hand to supply such orders. They are put up in 
neat boxes without the danger of exposure, and are sent 
to any part of the country by express on receipt of ten 
dollars now the price of the instrument. 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 309 



CHAPTER X. 

UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 

Seminal weakness and self-pollution — Emissions during sleep— 
Those produced by defecation and urination — Those occurring 
slowly and almost constantly — Detected by the microscope — Their 
destructive effects upon the system — Impotency, atrophy, etc. — 
Imbecility, insanity, epilepsy, paralysis, consumption, etc. — Start- 
ling description of Hufeland — Causes of seminal weakness — 
Sexual excesses, gonorrheal and gleety discharges, masturbation, 
etc., etc. — Interesting case of treatment — What is masturbation ? 
— How to protect the young from such horrible pollutions — Its 
destructive effects upon the mind and body — Quotation from the 
Rev. Dr. Adam Clarke — Quotation from Hippocrates — Priapism, 
atrophy, and insensibility of the organ — -Disgusting and dangerous 
means to produce erotic sensations — Startling account of the inn- 
keeper — The disgusting and horrible practices of Gabriel Gallien 
the shepherd of Languedoc — Remarks upon the treatment of 
seminal weakness and masturbation. 

Unnatural seminal emissions may be divided into the 
voluntary and involuntary. The former relate to those 
which are produced by some artificial and unnatural means, 
in conjunction with an overstrained effort of the will, and 
known by the terms masturbation, self-pollution, etc., to 
be fully explained in the second part of this chapter. The 
latter relate to those which take place without the concur- 



310 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

rence of the will, or in opposition to the volition of the 
patient; and hence they are spoken of as involuntary 
seminal emissions. The technical term for this infirmity 
is spermatorrhoea, signifying the running away of the 
spermatic fluid. It is also 'known by the term seminal 
weakness, and is spoken of by other language readily un- 
derstood by the connection in which it is found. 

Seminal weakness is a very common and very dangerous 
disorder. It may exist in some of its forms for months, 
or even years, without the knowledge or .suspicion of the 
patient, sapping away the foundations of health and 
bringing in its train some of the most painful and deadly 
infirmities known to man. In this we find its greatest 
danger. 

For the purposes of description we shall divide the 
symptoms of this disorder into the heal and constitutional. 
Of the former the discharge itself is the most prominent. 
Very often it takes place in the night, the sensation pro- 
duced by the emission suddenly waking the patient out of 
sleep.- These are called nocturnal emissions. They are 
usually preceded by lascivious dreams, the influence of the 
imagination upon the seminal vesicles being sufficient to 
produce an emission. They do not always, however, 
arouse the patient out of sleep ; for the seminal vesicles 
and their outlets will sometimes become so debilitated, and 
so deficient in natural sensibility through sexual excesses, 
self-abuses, etc., that sudden emissions may take place 
during sleep without the knowledge of the patient. 

Again ; involuntary losses of semen sometimes occur while 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 311 

the patient is at stool, or when he evacuates his bladder, 
the pressure of the lower bowels and the bladder upon 
the seed vessels being sufficient to squeeze out the semen, 
which conies away in a clear condition or with the urine. 
In all such cases the seminal vesicles are greatly debilitated, 
and there is danger that the mischief will go on for an 
indefinite period without the knowledge of the patient. 

Finally, the seminal vesicles unable to, retain any consid- 
erable amount of seminal fluid, allow it to dribble away 
slowly, but almost constantly, a portion of it remaining in 
the urethra to be washed out when the patient makes 
water, just enough escaping at other times to moisten the 
glans penis. This may appear to the naked eye* like the 
oozing of unwholesome perspiration, increased, perhaps, 
upon the occurrence of voluptuous thoughts when in the 
society of females, or by accidental frictions. It is some- 
times so slight that the orifice of the penis is no more 
moistened than it would be by the escape of a drop or two 
of urine; but the drop of semen contains the living seed, 
the constant escape of which will sooner or later viciate 
and destroy the system. 

When the existence of unconscious seminal discharges 
and their destructive effects upon the system, were first 
published to the profession, most physicians, not taking 
pains to investigate the subject, seemed to doubt the ex- 
istence of such a disease, and to suppose that the discharge 
consisted merely in the mucous secretions of the urethra 
aud the prostate gland ; and many physicians at the pre- 
sent day are nearly or quite as ignorant. But the frequent 



312 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

use of the microscope in the diagnosis of this disease, has 
long since established its existence and frequency. If the 
physician, who understands the use of the microscope, 
takes a little of the cloudy or flocculent matter sometimes 
found in the urine, or a little of the matter squeezed out 
of the penis between the. thumb and finger, or obtained by 
other means which we sometimes employ, and places it 
upon the slide under the microscope, and distinctly dis- 
covers the spermatozoa, he knows the discharge is sper- 
matic fluid, and that he has a case of seminal weakness ; 
for the spermatozoa is the vital principle of the spermatic 
fluid. In this way we have established beyond all ques- 
tion, the existence and great frequency of this disorder. 

All these unconscious emissions are peculiarly dangerous 
from the fact that they may run on for an indefinite period 
without the knowledge of the patient, and consequently 
without an application for medical relief. Ignorant of his 
real trouble, the patient ascribes his unhappy condition of 
body and mind to any cause but the right one, till acute 
and agonizing disease forces him, at the eleventh hour, to 
apply to some physician for the relief of the medical art ; 
and happy for such a patient if he falls into the hands of 
some one who understands his condition and possesses the 
skill to remove his disease, and to restore his shattered 
system to soundness and health. 

Some of the most obstinate disorders of the sexual 
system, which have come under our treatment, not only had 
their beginning, but gained ground for months or years 
during the entire ignorance of the patient of the existence 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 313 

of such diseases, having never applied to competent 
medical authority for advice. The generative system being ' 
the most delicate and intricate portion of the body, is the 
most subject to unseen and unsuspected derangements, 
among which seminal weakness is, perhaps, the most in- 
sidious and dangerous ; and this suggests the importance of 
a thorough examination by a competent and skillful physi- 
cian, in those patients who are constantly complaining 
without knowing the cause of their sickness. 

The state of the external organs of generation is another 
local symptom of seminal weakness not always sufficiently 
marked at the commencement to attract the attention of 
the patient. Though complete impotence may not have 
supervened — which is sure to follow sooner or later if 
seminal weakness continues — by attention to himself the 
patient will usually be able to detect some diminution of 
his ordinary erectile power. When erected he will find 
the organ less forcibly distended, and not quite so hard as 
natural. This change is gradual, and sometimes very slow, 
but unless the cause is removed it is certain to go on to 
total impotence ; while in a state of health, and with cer- 
tain precautions, such as we have pointed out in the pre- 
ceding chapter, he may retain his sexual power to a good 
old age. 

The patient will very frequently observe a slight atrophy 
or diminution in the size of the organ, and after a while 
it may shrink away one third or one half its natural bulk. 
We have seen it wasted away till it was hardly as large as 
the little finger. Many such cases are recorded by physi- 



314 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

cians eminent in this field of inquiry, such as Broussais, 
Dupuytren, and Lallemand of Paris ; Reid and Acton of 
England, etc. ; and our own observation furnishes many 
more cases of the same character, which, did our space 
admit, we should be glad to dwell upon more at length as 
an admonition and warning to such persons. 

The scrotum may be found in a relaxed and flabby con- 
dition, and the testicles may hang more loosely than na- 
tural, one very often dropping further below the other 
than nature intended, all of which shows a sad want of 
tonicity in the parts. On attempting copulation the emis- 
sion will sometimes take place almost immediately, even 
before a proper degree of penetration has been effected, 
or before sufficient time has elapsed to make* the act na- 
tural, or decent and becoming. This must create the, 
most unmitigated contempt and pity on the part of the 
female, who realizes a sorry apology for the pleasures of 
the nuptial bed. 

So much for the more prominent local symptoms. Lot- 
us now notice some of the general symptoms of seminal 
losses. These are literally legion. Connected with and 
affecting every part of the organization, it would be diffi- 
cult to name any functional disturbance, which may not be 
produced by this disorder. Uneasiness in the stomach 
accompanied by flatulence, giddiness and heaviness in the 
head, pain or weakness in the eyes, a feeling of lassitude, 
weariness, and dislike of exertion, irregularity of the 
•bowels, troubled sleep -succeeded by days of nervousness 
and apathy, fluttering and palpitations of the heart, great 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 315 

sensitiveness to changes in the weather, gloomy imagina- 
tions, and a disposition to shun society, are some of the 
milder symptoms, or such as very soon set in, and increase 
in severity the longer the emissions continue. In describ- 
ing such cases Lallemand uses the following language : — 

"The patients soon become ill. The most intimate 
friend is ignorant of the cause of the various disorders 
they complain of; nor is the medical man who possesses 
their confidence better informed, for even the patients en- 
tertain no suspicion of the real nature of their complaint. 
Hence, their indisposition is set down to ennui, a tendency 
to melancholy, or to hypochondriasis. When their disease 
assumes a more serious aspect, then the constitution is 
said to be delicate, impassionable, or unhealthy, and they 
are looked upon as malades imaginaires. They are re- 
proached with too much care of themselves, or an over- 
fondness for medicine. Medical men in extensive practice, 
tired of hearing the tale of so long a series of unmitigable 
and inexplicable maladies, rid themselves of such patients 
by recommending them to travel and obtain a change of 
air. Charlatans plunder them, and officious friends advise 
marriage, or some sort of occupation to fill up the void in 
their existence, but all blame, because no one really com- 
prehends, the nature of their disorder. Unfit for any 
serious occupation, and incapable of deep reflection, they 
become dissatisfied with themselves, and still more so with 
others. Absorbed in one sole thought, they return inces- 
santly to their disease to seek for the cause of their la- 
mentable condition, and soon become misanthropical." 



316 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

But let us continue the description as the disease ad- 
vances, and, step by step, becomes more serious and pain- 
ful. In some nervous constitutions, difficult breathing, 
tightness in the chest, and cough may soon appear to 
harass and alarm the patient. Such patients are very 
often treated for consumption, when seminal weakness is 
the real trouble. Such mistakes are very common among 
physicians who have given little attention to this depart- 
ment of practice; It should not be forgotten, however, 
that if the emissions and cough continue they may run 
the patient into the consumption, and in that way end his 
miserable days. 

Disturbed sleep, as before intimated, is a very common 
symptom. Persons in health go to bed weary, and rise re- 
freshed, but the patients under consideration often rise 
more fatigued than when they retired. Their sleep is 
either dull and heavy, and, therefore, unrefreshing, or 
light and broken by nightmares or frightful dreams, and 
finally a state of nightly restlessness ensues followed by 
days of ennui and melanchojy. Lallemand says : — 

" At a still more advanced period sleep leaves the patient 
almost entirely. They often pass whole nights in agitation 
without being able to find a comfortable posture ; they get 
up and lie down again, walk about, or roll on the beds ; at 
one moment their bodies and temples are on fire ; at the 
next they are chilly and covered with cold sweat. During 
these long nights they constantly dwell on sad thoughts, 
and are especially tempted to commit suicide." 

The eyes are apt to have a heavy, sleepy, idiotic appear- 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 317 

ance, and the patient sometimes becomes blind. The hear- 
ing may be affected with dullness, or it may be preternat- 
urally acute, sharp and heavy sounds being annoying and 
painful. A feeling of weight and heaviness in the head, 
swelling and confinement of the brain, and heats, flushes, 
and chills make the misery of such a patient complete. 
Gloomy images now revolve in the mind, among which, 
self-destruction may figure foremost. 

But of all the symptoms of this disorder, the alterations 
which take place in the mental faculties are, perhaps, the 
most lamentable. This is too little understood by medical 
men. Usually the first change observed will be loss of 
memory. The patient will be found making frequent in- 
quiries concerning transactions of a recent date, the names 
of persons, places, etc. , as though the brain was losing its 
retentive power, and ideas easily slipped out of the mind, 
which are literally true. This state of mind is all the 
more deplorable, because it is the certain harbinger of 
complete mental imbecility or idiocy unless the cause is re- 
moved. 

Such patients are often troubled with perplexity and con- 
fusion of ideas, vacillation and fickleness of purpose where 
any simple decision is required ; and they are unable to fix 
their thoughts on any particular business or topic of study. 
Wandering thoughts, often such as are not of the most, 
pure and innocent character, rush into the mind upon the 
most unsuitable occasions ; the temper becomes peevish, 
sour, and irritable upon the slightest provocation, or rather 
upon no provocation whatever ; and when the sufferer is a 



318 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

married man, this bitterness of temper is often the source 
of the most vexatious domestic misery. Persons pre- 
viously cheerful experience frequent attacks of melancholy 
and languor ; and vague fears of some calamity, which they 
cannot define or understand, but still fear, often hasten 
them towards that state of restlessness and melancholy, 
which renders life a burden. They imagine enemies among 
their nearest friends, and suppose the whole world is con- 
spiring against their happiness ; and while they seem ap- 
prehensive of every change in the weather, or other trifling 
circumstance, which they fear might affect their health, 
they may be contemplating immediate suicide. This in- 
sanity becomes the fixed condition of the patient ; and re- # 
cent investigations and reports of our insane asylums, 
fully attest that sexual pollutions of various kinds are fre- 
quent causes of imbecility and insanity. 

In consequence of the exhaustion of the vital stamina 
of such patients, the irritability of the nervous system, 
and the congestion or softening of the brain, epilepsy and 
paralysis, are by no means uncommon results. To sum up, 
therefore, as we cannot dwell separately upon all the un- 
happy results of long continued seminal losses, we may 
name, in addition to the ordinary symptoms, complete im- 
becility, insanity, epilepsy, paralysis, and consumption. 

Touching the effects upon the system of long continued 
unnatural seminal losses, Hufeland, a German physiolo- 
gist of great distinction, gives the following eloquent and 
vivid description : — 

11 Hideous and frightful is the stamp which nature affixes 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 319 

to one of this class. He is a faded rose — a tree withered 
in the bud — a wandering corpse. All life and fire are 
killed by this secret cause, and nothing is left but weak- 
ness, inactivity, deadly paleness, wasting of body, and 
depression of mind. The eye loses its lustre and strength ; 
the eye-ball sinks; the features become lengthened; the 
fair appearance of youth departs, and the face acquires 
a pale, yellow, leaden tint. The whole body becomes 
sickly and morbidly sensitive ; the muscular power is lost ; 
sleep brings no refreshment; every movement becomes 
disagreeable ; the feet refuse to carry the body ; the hands 
tremble ; pains are felt in all the limbs ; the senses lose 
their power, and all gaiety is destroyed. Such persons 
seldom speak, and only when compelled ; all former activity 
of mind is destroyed. Boys, who before showed wit and 
genius, sink into mediocrity, or even become blockheads ; 
the mind loses its taste for all good and lofty ideas, and the 
imagination is utterly viciated. Every glance at a female 
form excites desire ; and anxiety, repentance, shame, and 
despair make the painful state of such a man complete. 
His whole life is a series of secret reproaches, distressing 
feelings, self-deserved weakness, indecision, and weariness 
of life ; and it is no wonder if the inclination to suicide 
ultimately arises — an inclination to which no man is more 
prone ; the dreadful experience of a living death renders 
actual death a desirable consummation ; the waste of that 
which gives life generally produces disgust and weariness 
of life, and leads to that peculiar kind of self-destruction, 
which is characteristic of our age. Moreover, the diges- 



SfcXl 



320 THE g&XUAL SYSTEM. 

tive power is destroyed ; flatulence and pains in the stomach 
are likely to follow, and create constant annoyance; the 
blood is viciated; the chest obstructed; eruptions and 
ulcers break out upon the skin ; the whole body becomes 
dried and wasted; and in the end come epilepsy, con- 
sumption, slow fever, palsy, faintingfits, and an early death. ' ' 
Let us now invite the attention of our readers to a care- 
ful consideration of the causes of seminal weakness. To 
shun the evil let us try to understand the causes thereof. 
And before noticing the three principal causes, we will remind 
the reader, that there are many diseases of the genito- 
urinary organs that may exist as the causes, or the symp- 
toms, or entirely independent of, seminal weakness, such 
as inflammations of the testicles and their appendages, 
stricture of the urethra, irritability of the bladder and 
urethra, pruritus or the excessive itching of the anus, 
^scrotum and surrounding parts, etc., etc. Again, there is 
scarcely a disturbing influence of the human frame that 
may not, in certain nervous, irritable constitutions, resolve 
itself into an active promoter of this evil. For instance, 
a single night's drunken debauch, hemorrhoids or other 
diseases of the lower bowel, ascarides or small worms in 
the fundament, drastic purges often administered and long 
continued, diarrhoea or its opposite constipation of the 
bowels, may give rise to seminal weakness. Congenital 
predisposition is sometimes & cause. Here the seeds of 
disease lurk in the system until called into activity by some 
exciting cause, such as a blow, a fall, horseback riding, 
fatigue, violent mental emotions, drunkenness, etc. 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 321 

But there are three causes which stand foremost in the 
list we are considering as they may produce the disease in 
any constitution however vigorous and enduring. These 
should, therefore, receive a more special and extended 
notice. 

1. Sexual excesses ! It is easy to understand how such 
an abuse may produce the evil in question. If the body 
is overworked, exhaustion and prostration follows; and if it 
it is often repeated and long continued £he system is debil- 
itated, emaciated and prematurely worn out. The same 
law holds in regard to any particular organ or function of 
the body. By forcing into the stomach a large quantity 
of indigestible and unwholesome food thereby over-bur- 
dening the wonderful energies of that organ, after awhile 
its energies flag, and dyspeptic symptoms make their ap- 
pearance. By overstraining the eyes, as in artistic em- 
ployments of various kinds, or in reading without suffi- 
cient lights and continuing the exertion for a long time, 
those delicate organs become weak, and inflamed, and 
vision prematurely declines. Such illustrations might be 
enumerated to almost any extent ; but our object is merely 
to call attention to this universaMaw, as applied to the 
sexual system. By sexual excesses the seminal vesicles 
and their outlets lose their natural and healthy tonicity, 
and become so debilitated and relaxed, that they have no 
power to retain the semen, which escapes with or without 
the consciousness of the patient. 

2. Gonorrhoeal and gleety discharges! The mucous mem- 
brane of the urethra is continuous with that of the seminal 

21 



322 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

vesicles and their duets which open into the urethra. An 
impression, therefore, made upon the urethra may be 
transmitted to all the parts, which are continuous, if not 
contiguous, with it ; and hence a badly treated gonorrhoea 
ending in gleet very often extends its weakening influence 
to these parts, producing, if allowed to continue, an obsti- 
nate form of involuntary seminal emissions. As an ex- 
ample we will give a brief description of a case, which 
came under our professional care : — 

The patient had contracted gonorrhoea. He was treated 
by some inferior practitioner, who dosed him in the ordi- 
nary manner with copaiba, cubebs, etc. ; and resorted, as 
usual, to the early use of astringent injections. He was 
then supposed to be cured. Soon after, however, a gleety 
discharge made its appearance, which continued for a few 
months and was then temporarily arrested by some em- 
pirical preparation to reappear from time to time after- 
wards. But years subsequently, when the gentleman had 
nearly forgotten his gonorrhoea, his health began to fail, 
and his mental faculties were undergoing a change for the 
worse ; nervous prostration and loss of sexual power were 
already stealing upon -him; he knew his illness was in- 
creasing upon him, but he was entirely ignorant of the 
cause of his misery. He, therefore., consulted a physician, 
who, failing to discover the cause of illness, pronounced 
his patient hypochondriacal, merely fancying himself to be 
sick. Months afterwards he applied to the writer with a 
faint hope that he might still find relief. He first gave us 
a history of his case by letter, which, at once, led us to 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 323 

suspect that lie had all the while been suffering from 
seminal weakness, and further inquiry confirmed our first 
impressions. A thorough treatment was prescribed, having 
reference to the general health and the local disease which, 
in due time, effected a complete cure. 

Now, here was a patient who had been parting with life 
itself, and descending y towards the grave, as the result, in 
the first place, of a badly treated gonorrhoea followed by 
seminal weakness, and, in the next place, of the inability 
of the practitioner first consulted to detect and remove the 
infirmity ; and had it not been discovered and removed in 
the manner explained, the grave would have closed over 
another victim to imaginary tUness, as it is so cruelly and 
falsely called. This case, we record merely as an example 
of the large number of patients, who, after seeking relief 
from various improper sources, have placed themselves 
under our treatment and been discharged in a healthy con- 
dition ; and we make the statement not in the spirit of 
boasting, but as a matter of justice to ourselves, and such 
patients as above described ; for while most physicians know 
little of the nature and treatment of this infirmity, we have 
taken great pains to investigate the whole subject, and 
have been able to devise a plan of treatment which proves 
eminently successful. 

3. Masturbation ! All the other causes of seminal weak- 
ness put together, are, by no means, equal to this. In- 
deed, few persons, who practice this vice escape involuntary 
seminal emissions in some form ; and when they do, the, 
loss of semen, and the shock upon the nervous system 



324 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

from masturbation, produce the same, or worse effects, 
than involuntary losses of semen; and, therefore, all we 
have said, and shall still say concerning the general symp- 
toms and unhappy consequences of either, applies with 
equal force to the other, though we have preferred to keep 
the two subjects somewhat distinct. We shall, therefore, 
notice this more fully than either of the other causes, aa 
we have not space to make it the subject of a separate 
chapter. And let us first inquire, 

• What is this secret vice ? That the youth, who, as yet 
have escaped contamination, may continue uncontaminated, 
they should understand, as well as the nature of the subject 
will allow, what the habit is ; for this is the only way they 
can be deterred from falling into its practice. As a general 
definition, we may state, that it is an effort made by persons, 
while in secret, and yielding to their lascivious impulses, to 
procure to themselves the sensations appended to the in- 
tercourse of the sexes. This may be made clearer by a 
literal definition of some of the terms used to designate 
the practice. It is called Onanism, because Onan com- 
manded by Judah his father "to go in unto" Tamar his 
brother's wife, and raise up children unto his brother, dis- 
obeyed the command, by managing to spill his seed upon 
the ground. It is called masturbation, from two Latin 
words, one signifying hand and the other I ravish — to ravish 
with the hand, because the hand is used to excite the sexual 
passion. It is also called self-pollution and self-abuse, be- 
cause the pollution and abuse is produced by the person 
himself. Solitary vice, secret vice, etc. are other terms 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 325 

used to designate this vicious and filthy habit, because it is 
practiced in solitary and secret retreat, away from the ob- 
servation of others. 

Masturbation being a solitary and secret practice, it is 
impossible to guard against it, except by vigilance, and 
warning, and a faithful portraiture of its terrible conse- 
quences ; for it may be learned under almost any circum- 
stances — in the family, at public and private schools, from 
vicious associates, and even from the perverse instincts of 
the youth himself. Hence, we see the folly of the pretence 
that a knowledge of this subject will lead to its practice, 
when it cannot be guarded against except by careful in* 
struction, and the most faithful description of its terrible 
consequences. Those who believe in the concealment of a 
knowledge of this vice are persons of good intentions, but 
they never reason well. They are controlled by foeling in- 
stead of duty. 

We do not desire that this subject should be shorne of 
the disgust and delicacy, which naturally belong to it, nor 
that it should be made a topic of ordinary conversation ; 
for that would shock the sensibilities of all decent people. 
But there are proper ways to impart this instruction, the 
best and most efficient being to place in the hands of the 
young, and those of riper years, suspected of having con- 
tracted the habit, well-written works setting forth the con- 
sequences of all secret and vicious practices. Such a 
course could not fail to produce its legitimate and beneficial 
effects upon society. And well would it be for the rising 
generation if this volume, as intended, should receive such 



326 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

a circulation. There is also great need that clergymen, 
superintendents of colleges and schools, parents, guardians, 
and all to whom are intrusted the formation of youthful 
character, should be better instructed upon such subjects, 
that they may more readily detect, and, if possible, remove 
those deadly vices, which commence in the heart, rather 
than the outward life. 

There are no physicians in this or any other country, 
having devoted themselves chiefly to the treatment of dis- 
eases of the genital organs, who are not deeply impressed 
with the prevalence of self-pollution. It may be doubted 
by the mere routine practitioner ; but, of all men, he is 
least likely to form an accurate conception upon this sub- 
ject ; for he is seldom ever entrusted with such secrets. 
The confession that the solitary victim will not, and cannot 
with propriety malve to a father, mother, or brother, he 
will not be likely to make to the family physician. The 
common medical attendant, then, is just as ignorant of the 
extent and consequences of such vicious practices, as he is 
of the best mode of detection and cure. Away then with 
this wretched perversion of the meaning of the terms 
" morality and delicacy ;" it is better, in the language of a 
great master of science, 1 1 to admit, at once, that amongst 
other infirmities of our nature, causes predisposing to self- 
abuse exist within the human organization itself, and to 
take measures, at least as strenuous against this almost 
universal infirmity, as are adopted against others far less 
common, less seducing, and less pernicious." 
That young people frequently fall into the habit in quea- 



UNNATURAL SLMINAL EMISSIONS. 327 

tion, and almost destroy themselves while totally ignorant 
of the consequences, the writer can testify from the expe- 
rience gathered during his practice, and he feels assured 
that in calling attention to the evils resulting from every 
form of vicious indulgence he is adopting the most efficient 
means of prevention and cure. Many a noble youth might 
have been saved to his family and to society by such timely 
warning ; and shall it be said that it is wrong to strip the 
mask from this fearful infatuation, and to paint its horrors 
as they really exist ? 

Among the intelligent and well-educated classes, and 
those whose occupations, or the want of occupations, lead 
them to habits of indolence, we find large numbers of 
persons exceedingly prone to this vice ; for it is true the 
world over, that ; k indolence is the mother of vice. ' ' And 
must we acknowledge that young clergymen are often given 
to this practice? Such is the ease, and it is sometimes 
carried to a very destructive and debasing extent. They 
have sufficient scope, it is true, for the exercise of their 
intellectual and moral faculties, upon subjects elevating 
and ennobling to the mind, but the indolence of the body, 
and the over-fawning female society into which they are so 
readily admitted, very often counterbalances the good in- 
fluences coming upon themselves from their professional 
labors, and while preaching to others they are themselves 
castaways. They know it is a crying sin in the sight of 
Heaven and resolve to quit it; their resolution is broken; 
they beg for pardon and strength to overcome the tempta- 
tion ; again they resolve, and again their resolution goes 



32S THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

to the wind ; and after awhile, the scene being acted over and 
over for almost an innumerable number of times, some gain a 
victory over their passions, more or less complete, while 
others remain slaves to the lusts of their flesh for an indefi- 
nite length of time, some of whom are the most pitiable 
objects to be found in all God's universe. It is useless to 
cover this thing up. I prefer to probe it, to expose and 
lay it open to the light of truth and science, with the hope 
of doing something to remedy the evil. We can often tell 
one of this class by looking upon him when standing in 
the pulpit; and, as it is our uniform custom to attend 
church, rain or shine, when possible to do so, these things 
are sometimes often forced upon our mind when least de- 
sirable. We have had such persons call at our office to 
consult us upon their unhappy condition, full of apologies 
for the necessity of making such a revelation, when the 
very thing had, more than once, been most undoubtedly 
revealed to us from the " sacred desk." Dr. Armstrong, 
an eminent English physician, whose inquiries upon this 
subject are worthy of great respect, says, " I think I could 
tell a person, who had given himself up to the practice of 
self-pollution, merely by walking behind him in the street, 
from his peculiar gait." 

Rev. Dr. Adam Clarke, the learned and illustrious com- 
mentator of the Holy Bible, speaks of masturbation in 
the following emphatic language : — 

" The sin of self-pollution is one of the most destructive 
evils ever practiced by fallen man : in many respects it is 
several degrees worse than common whoredom, and has in 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 329 

train more awful consequences. It excites the power of 
nature to undue action and produces violent secretions, 
which necessarily and speedily exhaust the vital principle 
and energy ; hence, the muscles become flaccid and feeble, 
the tone and natural action of the nerves relaxed and im- 
peded, the understanding confused, the memory oblivious, 
the judgment perverted, the will indeterminate, and wholly 
without energy to resist. The eyes appear languishing 
and without expression, and the countenance 'becomes va- 
cant ; appetite ceases ; as the stomach is incapable of per- 
forming its proper office, nutrition fails ; tremors, fears, 
and terrors are generated : and thus the wretched victim 
drags out a miserable existence, till superannuated even 
before he had time to arrive at man's estate, with a mind 
often debilitated, even to a state of idiotism, his worthless 
body tumbles into the grave, and his guilty soul is hurried 
into the awful presence of its Judge. ' ' jg: 

Unfortunately for the history of human nature, this vice 
has been found coeval with every form of society, savage 
and civilized ; and the denunciations of ancient moralists 
are of equal application at the present day. We find them 
expressing the greatest horror at this degrading practice, 
as a crime the most monstrous, unnatural, and filthy, its 
consequences absolutely ruinous, perverting natural inclina- 
tion and conjugal affections, and extinguishing the hope of 
a vigorous posterity. The morals, the constitutions, and 
the future manhood of the growing population of our 
country are perishing, and rotting under the influence of 
this terrible evil. Its prevalence among our youth and 



330 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

those of more mature years is a matter of certainty, which 
it would be foolish to attempt to conceal, as it*can only be 
extinguished by exposure, and a faithful description of its 
terrible consequences. 

Hippocrates, more than two thousand years ago, ob- 
served that ' ' the seed of man arose from all the humors 
of his body, and is the most valuable part of them. When 
a person loses it, he loses the vital spirit ; so that it is not 
astonishing 'that its too frequent evacuation should ener- 
vate, as the body is thereby deprived of the purest of its 
humors.'' Another author remarks, that "the semen is 
kept in the seed vessels, until the man make proper use of 
it, or nocturnal emissions deprive him of it. During all this 
time, the quantity which is there detained, excites him to 
the act of venery ; but the greatest part of this essence, 
which is the most volatile and odoriferous, as well as the 
strongest, is abi&rbed into the blood ; and it there produces 
on its return very great changes. It makes the beard, 
hair, and nails grow ; it changes the voice and manners ; 
for age does not produce these changes in animals, it is the 
seed only that operates in this manner, for these changes 
are never met with in eunuchs, or those who have been 
deprived of their testicles. Can a greater proof of its 
vitalizing power be shown, than this fact, that one single 
drop is sufficient to give life to a future being? Those, 
then, who waste this precious fluid are truly wretched. 
Disabled from rendering any service either to themselves 
or their friends, they drag on a life totally useless to others 
and a burden to themselves, in the midst of that society, 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 331 

which, if it could know, would despise, rather than pity 
them for their self-inflicted sufferings. ' ' 

A moment's consideration will suggest how necessarily a 
continuous and excessive drain of the seminal fluid by 
masturbation must lead to prostration and decline. That 
fluid is not an excrementitious material, intended to be ex- 
pelled from the system, like dead and effete matters that 
would be injurious longer to remain in the body ; but it is 
intended to be retained in the body, with the exception of 
the small portion healthfully employed, from time to time, 
for the propagation of the species. All physicians who 
have given attention to this subject are of the opinion that 
one ounce of this fluid lost by masturbation, excessive un- 
natural indulgence, or seminal weakness, is equal to the 
loss of ten ounces of blood. 

Among the effects of masturbation, we must not forget 
to mention priapism, or a permanent erection of the penis. 
This will sometimes remain for weeks or even months, 
producing the most painful consequences, and endangering 
the life of the patient by inflammation and disorganization, 
or by erysipelas running up into the body, unless the pa- 
tient lives where he can, at once, avail himself of the most 
skillful treatment. Atrophy or wasting away of the penis, 
such as we have described as one of the consequences of 
involuntary seminal emissions, is sure, to a greater or less 
extent, to follow long-continued masturbation. The organ 
also has an old look, and is often more or less distorted. 
We have often seen it looking as old and infirm in boys 



332 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

sixteen or seventeen years of age, as in man at the age of 
sixty years. 

But there is another local result of self-pollution to which 
we would more particularly call the attention of our 
readers — the loss of the natural sensibility of the parts. 
This is sometimes so great, and the penis becomes so 
deadened to the ordinary means of excitement, that the 
hand is no longer sufficient to produce an erection accom- 
panied by erotic sensations; and if the victim— always 
weak in intellect — is unaware of the danger of such horri- 
ble practices, he will be likely to resort to other artificial 
means more potent for this purpose. Hence, we find them 
titillating the urethra with pencils, sticks, pieces of whale- 
bone, and such things, which often slip into the bladder 
endangering the life of the patient and rendering surgical 
aid necessary for their removal. Sometimes it is necessary 
to cut the patient as for stone. Another means sometimes 
employed to produce erotic excitement is to thrust the 
penis through small holes, such as the handle of a key, a 
candle-stick, etc. , and the organ immediately swelling it is 
often impossible to withdraw it without surgical assistance. 
Had we space we might relate many painful, as well as 
ludicrous, cases of this kind. 

An interesting case is related of an inn-keeper, who was 
in the habit of titillating the penis by introducing foreign 
bodies into the urethra. "On one occasion he used an 
iron wire seven or eight inches long, the end of which was 
crooked like a hook, to obtain, probably, more exquisite 
pleasure. One day, while indulging in this singular 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 333 

maneuver, he suddenly felt severe pain. The membra- 
nous portion of the canal was ruptured. The unfortunate 
man made several attempts to withdraw the wire ; but the 
hook, which had entered the soft part, rendered it im- 
possible. Overcome by suffering and shame, he wished to 
get rid of it ; and with this view, he rounded the loose 
part of the wire into the form of a rin'g, proposing in this 
manner to pull upon it more firmly. He exercised this 
force until the ring was nearly broken, but the iron was 
still in its place. He now expected death, and was obliged 
to call in a physician-to his relief. 

" Dr. Fardeau was promptly in attendance. He found 
the penis, and also the skin of the scrotum enormously 
tumefied. All the tissues which are inserted in the penis 
were also swelled, hot, and painful. The belly began to 
be puffy; the urine was suppressed; the face was red; 
the eyes filmy ; the pulse hard, frequent and corded, and 
the mind much affected. Dr. Fardeau grasped the loose 
portion of the wire, pulled it up slightly, and immediately 
found that the other end was arrested by an immoveable 
obstacle. He then examined the parts attentively, and 
found, to his astonishment, that the hook was fixed in the 
inner edge of the ischiatic tuberosity. An oblong incision 
was now made over this part ; the hook seized, and the 
wire was withdrawn through the perineum. This patient, 
after suffering a long time from the wounds inflicted, was 
finally restored to health, and effectually cured of his de- 
testable practices.' ' 

For the purpose of exposing still further the ridiculous 



334 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

means which persons, who have destroyed their intellects 
by long-continued self-pollution, will sometimes employ to 
produce erotic sensations ; and to bring this whole subject 
home to the consciences of our readers, and disgust them, 
and thereby deter them from its practice, we will here re- 
cord the notorious case of Gabriel Grallien, a shepherd of 
Languedoc, as related by Chopart in his work on the 
urinary passages. Startling and incredible as the descrip- 
tion may appear, it is still authentic: 

"At about the age of fifteen, he became addicted to 
masturbation, and to such a degree as to practice it seven 
or eight times a day. Emissions became at last so difficult 
that he would strive for an hour, and then discharge only 
a few drops of blood. At the age of six and twenty his 
hand became insufficient — all he could do was to keep his 
penis in a continual state of priapism. He then bethought 
himself of tickling the internal parts of his urethra, by 
means of a bit of wood, six inches long, and he would 
spend in that occupation several hours, while tending to 
his flocks in the solitude of the mountains. By a con- 
tinuation of this titillation for sixteen years, the canal of 
the urethra became hard, callous, and insensible. The 
piece' of wood then became as ineffectual as his hand. At 
last, after much fruitless effort, Gallien, one day in despair, 
drew from his pocket a blunt knife, and made an incision 
into his glans along the course of the urethra. This op- 
eration, which would have been painful to any body else, 
was in him attended with a sensation of pleasure, followed 
by a copious emission. He had recourse to this new dis- 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 335 

covery every time his desire returned. When, after an 
incision into the cavernous bodies, the blood flowed pro- 
fusely, he stopped the hemorrhage, by applying around 
the penis a pretty tight ligature. At last, after repeating 
the same process perhaps a thousand times, he ended in 
splitting his penis into two equal parts, from the orifice of 
the penis to the scrotum, very near the symphisis pubis. 
When he had got so far, unable to carry his incision any 
further, and again reduced to new privations, he had re- 
course to a piece of wood, shorter than the former ; he 
introduced it into what remained of the urethra, and excit- 
ing, at pleasure the extremities of the ejaculatory ducts, 
he provoked easily the discharge of semen. He continued 
this about ten years. After that long space of time, he 
one day introduced his bit of wood so carelessly that it 
slipped from his fingers and dropped into the bladder. 
Excruciating pain and serious symptoms came on. The 
patient was conveyed to the hospital at Narbonne. The 
surgeon, surprised at the sight of two penes of ordinary 
size, both capable of erection, and in that stage diverging 
on both sides, and seeing besides, from the scars and 
callous edges of the divisions, that this conformation was 
not-congenital from his birth, obliged the patient to give 
him an account of his life, which he did, with the details 
that have been related. This wretch, cut, as for a stone, 
recovered of the operation, but died three months after of 
an abscess in the right side of the chest ; his physical state 
having been evidently brought on by the practice of mas- 
turbation, carried on for many years.' ' 



836 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

In the course of our remarks, w§. have alluded to the 
melancholy and irritable condition of most persons suffering 
from the effects of solitary vice, and involuntary seminal 
losses, and the practice of upbraiding them as imaginary 
invalids, merely fancying themselves to be sick. Now this 
practice, so common and wrong-headed, we would solemnly 
protest against as injurious in the extreme, tending to 
confirm the patient in his unhappy condition. It should, 
therefore, be rigidly guarded against, as a part of the 
treatment in all such cases. It is more consistent to en- 
deavor to keep up the patient's courage, by a cheering word 
spoken at the proper time, and the avoidance of every 
circumstance which could confuse or irritate him. But 
before he can enjoy the world or society the cause of his 
illness must be removed. Remember ; if he complain, he 
must be sick, though the cause and nature of the sickness 
be hid from every observer ; or, if the illness should seem 
to be confined chiefly to the mind, it always depends upon 
gome cause requiring the scrutiny and resources of the 
skillful practitioner for its detection and removal. An 
eminent European writer speaking upon this subject uses 
the following language : — 

" It is in vain we say to the so-called hypochondriac — 
amuse yourself, employ your mind, go into society, seek 
agreeable conversation ; so long as we have not removed the 
cause of his disorder he is unable to profit by our counsels. 
How can we expect, that when a man is fatigued by the 
least exercise he shall occupy himself with walking or gar- 
dening? How can we desire him to go into society, when 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 337 

the simple presence of a woman intimidates him, and 
recalls all his former misfortues ? How can we expect him 
to enjoy conversation when he loses its thread every mo- 
ment — when his memory leaves him, and when he feels 
his nullity ? We persuade him to seek amusements and 
pleasures, but are they such to him ? Is not the happi- 
ness of others his greatest punishment? Because he is 
unaWe to follow our advice, we accuse him of unwilling- 
ness, and we wish to compel him. But let us first remove 
the cause of our patient's disease^ and we may then hope 
that his character and conduct will change, and that he 
will return to his natural tastes and habits. ' * 

Various local appliances have been invented for the 
treatment of seminal losses with varying and unsatisfactory 
results. Lallemand of Paris, whose investigations and 
writings have done so much to explain the true character 
and results of such infirmities, was still very limited in his 
resources of treatment. He was author of the celebrated 
Porte Caustique^ a silver instrument like a catheter, with 
lunar caustic fixed at the end, or in a groove near the end, 
to be thrust into the urinary canals of all spermatorrhoeal 
patients, regardless of the condition of the general system 
or the local parts. This became a fashionable remedy, 
and, therefore, had a long run before its bad results were 
fully realized. That it sometimes produced beneficial re- 
sults in the hands of such men as Lallemand, no enlight* 
ened physician will doubt ; but its bad results are so fre- 
quent and dangerous, that its use under any circumstances, 
is, at least, very questionable. Inflammation, spasm, and 
22 



338 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

stricture of the urethra ; strangury and irritability of the 
bladder; swelled and painful testicles, etc., etc., are fre- 
quently produced by this fashionable remedy. Many prac- 
titioners adhere to it at the present day ; but in our hands 
milder and safer remedies are uniformly successful ; and, 
therefore, the porte caustique is not one of our resources 
of cure. 

An attempt to prevent the escape of the semen hf pres- 
sure upon the walls of the urethra has its disciples. A 
ring-like contrivance has been invented, which locks around 
the penis, and hugs the urethra so closely that no semen 
can escape beyond while it remains. But look at the 
laughable absurdity of such an invention ! Of course it 
cannot prevent the escape of the semen from the seminal 
vesicles, but merely from the urethra beyond the ring. 
What, then, is the result? Why, any novice can tell! 
The semen is collected into the urethra behind the ring— 
a portion of it sometimes passes backwards into the bladder 
owing to some irregular spasmodic action of the urinary 
passage — and when the patient is obliged to remove the 
ring for the purpose of making water, the semen and the 
urine come away together, and the unhappy invalid is be- 
guiled into the belief of amendment, because he does not 
see the semen escape. Surely absurdity could go no 
further, and is just worthy a school-boy who is unable to 
% hold his water ; besides, its use might produce stricture 
of the urethra, venous congestion of the organ, etc. 

Suppositories are highly recommended by some practi- 
tioners in the treatment of this infirmity. These consist 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 339 

of various medicated substances, rolled into the form of a 
cigar, and thrust up the patient's fundament upon going 
to bed — a most uncongenial way of giving medicines. Of 
course, no direct effect can be produced upon the seminal 
vesicles or their ducts by this treatment ; for a mere tyro 
in medicine can certify that the suppository would be 
separated from the diseased parts, by the coats of the rec- 
tum, the prostate gland, and a certain amount of cellular 
tissue. But a slight effect may be produced indirectly by 
the sympathy of the diseased parts with the rectum, and 
the absorption of a slight amount of the medicinal substance 
contained in the suppository. In this way a continued 
impression is kept up. But when necessary to administer 
medicines per rectum, it is usually preferable to dissolve 
them in water, and throw them up the bowel with a 
syringe, as they are moife readily absorbed and produce 
more salutary results, both locally and constitutionally. 
Neither of these contrivances are necessary, however, when 
medicines can be retained upon the stomach, except, per- 
haps, an injection to provoke the action of the bowels, or 
an anodyne injection to produce relief from pain situated 
in the neighboring parts. 

In the treatment of seminal weakness, and various other 
diseases of organs situated within the pelvis, it has been 
customary, from time immemorial, to employ various kinds 
of counter-irritation over the sacrum, and small of the 
back, such as blisters, tartar emetic eruptions, and various 
other escharotics ; moxas, setons, irritating plasters, etc. ; 
but we have long since given up all such applications, and 



340 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

for the best of all reasons, viz. : we have seldom seen 
the slightest benefits from their use. Applied to other 
parts of the body, in the treatment of serious diseases, 
they are often very serviceable in the hands of skillful 
practitioners ; but when applied over the sacrum, or lower 
part of the back, for the treatment of diseases of organs 
within the pelvis, they produce, we repeat, little or no 
effect, except to torment and harass the patient. It is, 
therefore, unjust and inhuman to employ them. One of our 
most eminent surgeons, having had his attention called to 
this subject, acknowledged to us that he had never seen any 
very decided benefits from this treatment, though he had 
employed it for years, for all sorts of diseases within the 
pelvis, and had laid it down as an essential part of the 
treatment, in a large text book for our colleges. It has 
been a fashionable remedy, and, therefore, employed 
without proper reference to the results. 

So much for some of the treatment still employed by 
many practitioners, which we have tested and discarded, 
as dangerous, or worthless ; and now let us sum up some 
of the principles of our present treatment. It is local and 
constitutional; but in both cases, the remedies are given 
per os, and pass through the stomach. 

It is well known by medical men, that our materia 
medica furnishes us with various agents, having direct and 
specific action upon all the organs and functions of the 
system. For instance, some act chiefly upon the liver, 
increasing the flow of bile, and correcting various disturb- 
ances of that organ ; others act chiefly upon the kidneys, in- 



UNNATURAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 341 

creasing the flow of urine, and correcting its abnormal 
condition ; others still direct their force chiefly to the 
genital organs, increasing the sexual power and appetite, 
and tending to correct various infirmities — and so on 
through the whole economy. 

Again ; we have remedies which enter into all the secre- 
tions' and excretions of the system. This is proved by ap- 
plying the proper chemical tests. For instance ; if we take 
a little of the urine, and test it for any particular substance 
which the patient is taking, and find the identical sub- 
stance present, we know it passes through the system into 
that excretion — we have also learned an important principle 
in the treatment of various urinary and genital diseases, 
viz. : the medication of the urine. We are thus in pos- 
session of various remedies, both mineral and vegetable, 
which pass into and medicate the urine. Now, the urine 
thus medicated comes in direct contact with the outlets of 
the seminal vesicles, and the whole of the urinary passage, 
and the influence of the remedy, is transmitted to the 
seminal vesicles themselves. But some of these substances 
are inert; others do harm, while others effect a cure; and, 
therefore, it requires great experience and discrimination 
in the selection of the proper remedy for the case in hand. 
Upon such knowledge depends the skill of the practitioner 
in the treatment of various diseases of these organs. Of 
course, the remedy thus diluted with the urine is not very 
pungent, but, if continued a reasonable length of time, it 
possesses sufficient strength to produce a permanently 
healing effect, which experience abundantly proves. Does 



342 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

the reader now understand our principle of treating seminal 
weakness by administering remedies through the stomach? 
In addition to such local treatment as above indicated, 
the general constitution of such patients always needs great 
iattention. Always enervated, debilitated, and shattered, 
to a greater or less extent, the system must be fortified and 
built up, by a judicious course of tonic and alterative 
treatment ; but this may generally be united with the local 
treatment, when convenience, or other circumstances, makes 
it desirable. If there should be any atrophy or loss of 
sexual power — which will be found to exist in nearly all 
bad cases — the instrument described in the last part of the 
preceding chapter, will be found serviceable in connection 
with the other treatment. 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES, 



CHAPTER XI. 

INFECTIOUS SEXUA.Z DISEASES. 

Gonorrhoea produced by infectious matter— Ludicrous ideas of some 
authors — The period of incubation — How the symptoms com- 
mence — Character of the discharge — The painful symptoms — 
Scalding in making water, swelled glands, chordee, phymosis, 
paraphymosis, swelled testicles, irritable bladder, etc. — The 
formation of spasmodic and permanent strictures — Terrible con- 
sequence of bad treatment — Syphilis — The primary sore or 
chancre — Its situation in males and females — Varieties; hard, 
soft, and sloughing — The whole virile member sometimes de- 
stroyed — The formation of syphilitic buboes — Constitutional 
syphilis most to be dreaded — Dirty, scaly, copper-colored skin 
diseases, running sores, sore throat, destruction of the palate, and 
the nasal appendage, falling of the hair and eyebrows, diseases 
of the bones, joints, etc.— Syphilitic bronchitis, paralysis, etc. — 
Why not reported in our bills of mortality — Hereditary trans- 
missions — Fearful mortality of children — The treatment of such 
children — Remarks upon the treatment of primary and constitu- 
tional syphilis. 

Infectious sexual diseases usually called by authors 
venereal diseases, and sometimes spoken of by the people 
as had diseases ■, will form the subject of this chapter. But 
to give a systematic treatise of these diseases, noticing in 
detail their origin, nature, effects, symptoms, treatment 



344 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

etc., would require a volume equal to the present, and 
would be of little use to the general reader. We shall, 
therefore, call attention only to their main features, and 
interpose our warning and advice as to their terrible con- 
sequences and their successful treatment. 

There is no person except the medical man, whose repu- 
tation brings him patients from all classes of society, who 
knows the extent to which these diseases exist ; he alone 
understands their terrible consequences, the imprudences 
of persons in contracting them and in seeking relief, and 
the ridiculous blunders of charlatans wh$ undertake their 
treatment. 

Sexual intercourse is occasionally impure ; animal poisons 
are generated and communicated by such intercourse, 
which are of a peculiar malignant character. There are 
two distinct venereal poisons ; one is the poison of gonor- 
rhoea, commonly called clap, which coming in contact with 
the mucous membrane of the urethra, or the prepuce, pro- 
duces a specific inflammation, which gives rise to a dis- 
charge of infectious matter. The other is the poison of 
syphilis, vulgarly called the pox, which applied to the 
glans, prepuce, or skin, produces a small circumscribed 
sore called a chancre. 

Let us now proceed to describe these two venereal dis- 
eases, and their horrible consequences when badly treated, 
or allowed to take their own course. 

First, gonorrhoea ! This disease, as already intimated, is 
produced by infection from the same disease in the other 
sex. But the acute stage of the disease may have passed, 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 345 

and a chronic discharge may continue, for a longer or 
shorter time afterwards, called a gleet, which may possess 
enough of the specific poison of clap to produce the dis- 
ease in a well person. Hence a person may get the gonor- 
rhoea by having connection with another, who has a gleet 
Some authors seem to suppose that a gonorrhoea may be 
contracted in other ways, such as having frequent connec- 
tion with a woman who has an acrid discharge from the 
vagina, known as the whites, or a discharge proceeding 
from ulceration of the womb, or by cohabiting with a 
woman when she has her courses. Cases are also recorded 
in medical works — Druitt . being, perhaps, the highest 
authority — where the disease has been brought on by 
horseback riding, riding in vehicles over rough roads, etc. , 
etc. But we have little faith in such a doctrine. TFe 
have never seen a case of gonorrhoea we had reason to be- 
lieve was communicated by the whites, the menses, horse- 
back riding, or anything of the kind. This may be a very 
convenient doctrine, and may hide a multitude of sins — for 
which purpose we suppose it must have been taught — but 
it does a great injustice to science, to society, and indi- 
viduals. It is true that a gleety discharge, as the result 
of gonorrhoea, may be increased, or if it had been arrested 
it may possibly be reproduced by any of the above causes ; 
but they cannot, in our opinion, originate a gonorrhoea. 
This can only come from a specific poison like itself. 

No certain time can be laid down before a clap will make 
its appearance after infection has been communicated. In 
some instances three or four days elapse ; in others there 



346 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

will not be the least appearance of the disease till the 
eighth or tenth day. Most commonly, however, it is per- 
ceptible sometimes between the third and sixth day. It 
usually commences with a sense of uneasiness about the 
parts, a tingling, thrilling sensation sometimes exciting 
lascivious desire ; presently this is exchanged for itching 
and soreness, and then a drop of fluid escapes, and the 
attention being called to the parts, it is found that the lips 
of the urethra, are a little inflamed and swollen, and a 
whitish, glutinous, and nearly transparent fluid exudes 
from the orifice. At first the discharge is nearly mucous, 
but afterwards it assumes a decided prevalent appearance ; 
this gradually becomes yellowish, and if the inflammatory 
symptoms run high, it may assume a greenish color, often 
intermixed or streaked with blood. 

Let us notice some of the painful symptoms of gonor- 
rhoea. Scalding and pain in making water is often very dis- 
tressing. This is produced by the passage of the urine over 
the inflamed surface of the urethra. It varies in intensity 
in different individuals. There is also an irregular, tume- 
fied, contracted condition of the urethra, causing the urine 
to be passed in a small twisted or forked stream, producing 
more or less difficulty, as well as pain and scalding, in its 
expulsion. 

Chordee is a very painful symptom. . The spongy body 
of the penis, situated along its inferior portion, through 
which the urethra passes, is inflamed, and there is de- 
posited in its structure an adhesive matter which fills up 
the cells, glues them together, and prevents their disten- 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 347 

tion ; and the consequence is, that when an erection takes 
place the organ is bent downwards, and is horribly painful. 

In bad cases we have the conditions called phymosis, 
and paraphymosis. In the former case, the prepuce is so 
rigidly contracted in front of the end of the penis, that 
the patient cannot draw it back to uncover the parts ; in 
the latter case the prepuce is drawn back of the head of 
the penis, and is so rigidly contracted as to form a tight 
ring around its neck, producing great pain, and demanding 
prompt medical assistance to save the structures from 
mortification and destruction. 

The glands of the groins are sometimes affected by 
gonorrhoea, and swell up, forming what are denominated 
buboes ; but these are quite different from thos^e trouble- 
some buboes produced by syphilis. The former are pro- 
duced by sympathy with the gonorrhoea ; they are very un- 
frequent, seldom burst, and a number of glands may be 
affected at the same time ; the latter are produced by the 
absorption of the poison of syphilis, are very common, 
usually burst, and form loathsome sores, and but one gland 
is usually affected. Blundering practitioners have some- 
times mistaken ruptures for these buboes, and thrust the 
lancet straight into a man's gut. 

Swelled testicles are another painful and dangerous 
symptom. There is a continuity of mucous surface from 
the urethra to the testicles, and along this surface the in- 
flammation of gonorrhoea occasionally creeps, producing 
swelling and pain of one or both of these organs. The 
testicles are enveloped in dense fibrous capsules, that do 



348 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

not readily yield, when the organs become inflamed ; hence, 
the pain is excruciating, extending to the small of the 
back, and producing more or less symptomatic fever. It 
sometimes happens that the swelled testicle bursts, and 
the discharge of matter continues till its structure and 
function is destroyed ; but if this does not happen, the 
function of the organ may be destroyed, or greatly im- 
paired by such mischief. 

A gonorrhoea that is badly treated is very apt to run into 
the chronic condition, and is then termed gleet. In six 
or seven weeks the discharge diminishes, but> does not en- 
tirely cease ; its character also undergoes a change ; in- 
stead of thick mucus and pus, it becomes thin, and looks 
like a little mucus and pus mixed with water, or like a 
dirty drop of water. It is usually viscid, and sticks to- 
gether the lips of the urethra, and stains the patient's 
linen—a most filthy condition to be endured. The cha- 
racter of this gleety discharge is quite changeable in its 
color, consistency, and quantity, sometimes almost entirely 
ceasing and again reappearing upon having sexual connec- 
tion, exposure to cold, fatigue, or any slight changes in 
the general health. Without skillful treatment a gleet 
may continue for years, or a whole life time, and it may 
from time to time possess enough of the specific poison of * 
gonorrhoea to communicate the clap to another person. 
It is not usually very distressing when unaccompanied by 
other diseases ; but it is very dangerous, for it is apt to 
produce irritable bladder, strictures of the urethra, atrophy 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 349 

of the penis, seminal weakness, impotence, and other 
horrible disorders of the genito-urinary organs. 

Another very distressing and dangerous disorder result- 
ing from a gonorrhoea, is properly termed irritable bladder; 
and when once provoked it is very intimately associated 
with all the habits of sensualism. The patient is annoyed 
with a frequent desire to void his urine, sometimes so 
urgent and distressing that he is compelled to make water 
every fifteen minutes or half-hour. The quantity of the urine 
is not usually increased ; but the bladder cannot endure its 
accumulation, a table-spoonful, or two, sometimes being 
sufficient to produce the most painful efforts of the organ 
to expel it, and hence the patient would pass only this 
small quantity of water. There is usually more or less 
scalding pain in the passage of the urine owing 'to the 
morbid sensibility at the neck of the bladder and along 
the course of the urethra. This disorder may exist in 
every degree of severity, from the mildest to the most 
violent and dangerous form, sometimes rendering the pa- 
tient's life a burden to himself and obliging him to keep 
out of society, and to linger away his hours in solitude. 

Irritable bladder arising from other causes, especially in 
females, we have briefly noticed in our chapter on diseases 
of females. 

But of all the consequences of gonorrhoea — the most 
serious and dangerous, interfering most decidedly with the 
procieation of the species, and the happiness of married 
life — the formation of stricture is most to be dreaded. 
Spasmodic stricture may occur suddenly, at any time during 



350 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

the progress of a gonorrhoea, or gleet, and may shortly 
disappear, or without proper treatment may be followed 
by the most deplorable consequence, such as rupture of 
the bladder, burrowing of the urine through the urethra 
into the cellular tissue, and finally — if death does not 
sooner take place — making a passage for its escape behind 
the scrotum. 

But a permanent stricture — very properly so called, as it 
never gets well without the interference of the medical 
art — is slower in its formation. It is the result of chronic 
inflammatory action of some portion of the urethra, pro- 
ducing a thickening of the membrane, which becomes 
hard like cartilage, loses its natural elasticity, and more 
or less plugs up the passage. At first, the patient observes 
that a few drops of urine is retained in the urethra after 
the whole appears to be expelled, which dribbles away 
afterwards, and slightly wets his linen. Next he observes 
that the stream of urine has somewhat diminished in size, 
and as the stricture continues to form, he is sensible that 
greater effort is required to expel the urine. The stream 
continues to diminish, and is scattered, twisted, or forked, 
owing to the uneven condition of the urethra, and it can- 
not be ejected to the usual distance. As the disease pro- 
gresses the stream becomes thread-like, or the urine is 
often discharged, drop by drop, requiring a very protracted 
effort, accompanied by the most excruciating pain to void 
a few spoonfuls. The bladder and kidneys become dis- 
eased; and spasmodic stricture is liable to occur at any 
time — quickly putting an end to the life of the patient. 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 351 

If death does not occur in this way, the patient loses his 
appetite, becomes enervated and emaciated, great prostration 
ensues, and hectic fever sets in. putting an end to the fearful 
tragedy — the result of the imprudence or misfortune of 
the patient in not having proper treatment in season. 
Both spasmodic and permanent strictures may arise from 
many other causes, such as injuries to the parts diseased, 
morbid condition of the urine, excessive nervous irrita- 
bility, intemperance, sexual excesses, self-abuses, etc. , etc. , 
and require the utmost skill and caution in their treatment. 
Permanent stricture in the female is very unfrequent, on 
account of the shortness and greater dilatability of the 
urethra, but spasmodic stricture is a very frequent attend- 
ant upon child-bearing. 

There is no disease of these organs that requires greater 
caution and skill than the treatment of stricture. There 
is none demanding more minute acquaintance with* the 
anatomy of the parts ; none in which blundering rashness 
or ignorance may produce more deplorable mischief. But 
in the hands of a cautious, skillful practitioner a perfect 
and permanent cure can usually be expected, even in those 
cases which have existed for years, and seem entirely hope- 
less. By gently and perseveringly attempting the dilata- 
tion of the stricture by the use of bougies and catheters, 
especially adapted to the case in hand, together with ap- 
propriate internal treatment, the hardened mass gradually 
disappears, the membrane becomes soft and natural, allow- 
ing the introduction of a full sized instrument, and the 
free and easy passage of a full stream of urine. In this 



352 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

way we have always succeeded in curing strictures without 
the necessity of resorting to cutting instruments. We 
have often found two, three, or even four or five strictures 
of the urethra at the same time, and have succeeded, in a 
longer or shorter time, in making a complete cure to the 
great relief and joy of the patient, whose life had been 
wretched beyond description. But let me repeat that this 
treatment is dangerous in th6 hands of a blundering, un- 
educated doctor, or, indeed, in the hands of any physician 
unless he has given special attention to the anatomy of the 
parts, and the treatment of this disease ; for the urethra 
is so irregular in its form, there are so many prominences 
and depressions along its course, and so many ducts open- 
ing into it, that a false passage may be made by forcing 
the instrument into the bulb, or even into the prostate 
gland. Some deplorable cases of this kind have come 
undtr our observation. 

But stricture and all the other unhappy results of gonor- 
rhoea, which we have now mentioned, may usually be 
averted, by the proper treatment of the gonorrhoea itself. 
We shall not, therefore, attempt to point out how patients 
can treat themselves, for no persons uneducated in medi- 
cine can manage such cases with safety. It is sheer non- 
sense to talk about patients treating themselves. We would, 
therefore, warn them against their own treatment and 
that of mere pretenders to medical science. Such trifling 
is always dangerous. Every case must be treated by itself, 
and there are many circumstances which greatly modify 
the treatment at different stages of the disease, and in 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 353 

different patients, such as the intensity of the disease, the 
time it has existed, the constitution and general health of 
the patient, his idiosyncracies, and even his temperament, 
age, etc. Hence a remedy that would be appropriate and 
highly beneficial, when given to a patient at the proper 
time, might intensify the disease four fold when given to 
another patient, at a different stage of the disease. How . 
often do we find patients, and even doctors resorting to 
certain stimulating resins, and astringent, irritating injec- 
tions, at the time when the very opposite course of treat- 
ment is demanded ; and the consequences of such blunder- 
ing are often most disastrous. Such things have so often 
come to our knowledge, that they are really sickening to 
contemplate. Every person ought to know that it is un- 
safe for any one except an educated physician to undertake 
the treatment of a serious and dangerous disease, a disease 
liable to such horrible consequences as a badly managed 
gonorrhoea. 

A confirmed gonorrhoea cannot be arrested suddenly 
with safety to the patient ; and those persons who adver- 
tise that they can cure the disease in a day or two without 
regard to diet, etc. , are totally regardless of the deplorable 
consequences of their practice. Xo honest physician will 
resort to such extreme measures, and hazard the health, 
and even life of his patient, for a few paltry dollars. It is 
one thing to arrest the discharge temporarily, and quite 
another thing to cure the disease permanently on which 
the discharge depends. In the former case the inflamma- 
tory symptoms become dangerous, the discharge reappears 
23 



3o4 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

from time to time, and becomes chronic and gleety, and 
diseased testicles^ irritable bladder, and strictures of the 
urethra, are very likely to follow. Bat when the disease 
is completely cured, the patient is exempt from all such 
dangerous consequences. We have often cured a gonor- 
rhoea in three or four days, but not by attempting, in the 
first instance, suddenly to arrest the discharge ; but by 
carefully adapting our treatment to the condition of the 
parts, and endeavoring, as speedily as possible, to bring 
about such a favorable condition that it would be perfectly 
safe to administer remedies for the special purpose of ar- 
resting the discharge. In this way the discharge is perma* 
nently arrested, the cure is complete, and the patient is 
protected from all those terrible consequences, which re- 
sult from a badly treated gonorrhoea. 

Let us now direct our attention to another venereal dis- 
ease known as syphilis, or the pox. .This infection, though 
produced by impure sexual connection, is entirely distinct, 
in its primary and constitutional effects, from that we have 
already considered. Gonorrhoea is produced by the inocu- 
lation of a venereal poison, and so is syphilis ; but the 
poisons are essentially different in character, and there is 
no analogy between the two diseases, except that they 
primarily affect the same organs. 

There is a difference of opinion as to the origin of the 
term syphilis, but it is probably derived from two Greek 
words, sys, signifying swine, and phileo, to love, literally a 
lover of swine, because the swine was regarded by the 
Jews as an unclean animal, and its flesh was supposed to 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 355 

produce scrofula, which is somewhat analogous to constitu- 
tional syphilis. But such criticism is of no consequence 
to the reader, and we will, at once, proceed to give a brief 
description of the disease^ itself. 

Primary syphilis consists in a small ulcer, called chancre. 
This is usually found upon some portion of the genital 
organs, as might be supposed from the nature of the con- 
tact producing the disease. In man its most usual seat is 
upon the glans, or head of the penis, upon the prepuce, 
in the furrow between the glans and prepuce, and at the 
sides of the frenum or bridle of the penis, because those 
parts are the most exposed to the syphilitic virus or poison, 
and also best calculated to retain the matter. But we often 
find chancres upon the skin of the penis, the scrotum, and 
sometimes upon the thighs. In the female they are usually 
found upon the external genital organs, but often in the 
vagina, and upon the neck of the womb, and sometimes 
upon the thighs, and about the anus ; and, loathsome as 
the statement may appear, it must be placed on record as 
a matter of science, that true syphilitic chancres have been 
found upon the lips and tongues of both sexes. We have 
seen a number of such cases. In short, wherever the 
syphilitic virus is thoroughly applied to the living tissues, 
there a chancre may be produced. 

If we take a little of the matter of a chancre before it 
begins to heal, and insert it into the skin with the point 
of a lancet, we can produce a new chancre like the old 
one. Practitioners sometimes resort to this method of 
diagnosis when they are doubtful as to the character of the 



356 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

old sore, being careful to destroy the new chancre as soon 
as its character is developed. 

The period of incubation, as it is called, or the time, 
which elapses, after an impure connection, before a chancre 
is developed, varies from three to ten days. But the 
poison commences its action from the time of its applica- 
tion, some days being necessary to produce the smallest 
pimple or sore. If the parts with which the virus comes 
in contact are excoriated or chafed a chancre is more likely 
to be developed, and in less time than otherwise; and 
both syphilis and gonorrhoea are more likely to be pro- 
duced in persons whose skin and membranes are thin and 
delicate than in those in whom these tissues are firmer, 
tougher, and thicker. 

There are many varieties of chancres, depending chiefly, 
no doubt, upon the character of the ulcer whence the in- 
fectious matter is derived ; but also modified, to a certain 
extent, by the constitution of the patient, the condition 
of the genital organs at the time of the infection, etc. 
But it will be sufficiently accurate for our present purpose 
to sum up all these varieties under three heads : — 

1. The indurated or hard chancre! This is sometimes 
called the Hunterian chancre, because it was first accu- 
rately described by the celebrated English surgeon, John 
Hunter. But in plain English it is called a hard chancre, 
which expresses the character of the sore. It may begin 
as a little pimple, or as a small patch of excoriation, but 
when fully formed its edges and base are . as hard as 
cartilage. It is nearly circular > of a tawny color, and ex- 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 357 

cavated or cupped in the centre ; and if you take it be- 
tween the thumb and finger, it feels like a little cup of 
cartilage set in the soft flesh. Its most frequent seat is 
upon the glans penis. 

2. Non-indurated or soft chancre! This chancre has 
not, like the preceding, the hard base and edges, but it is 
soft, as its name implies. It commences as a little pimple, 
or pustule, which itches the patient, and leads him to 
make an examination of the parts ; next it bursts, and 
soon displays a foul, yellowish ulcer attended with slight 
redness and swelling, and spreads circularly. At first this 
sore is sometimes covered with a dirty brown scab, but not 
always. If the ulcer is not properly treated but continues 
to spread, dirty-looking fungous granulations may be 
formed, producing great irritation and pain. This chancre 
is usually found on the prepuce, or at the sides of the 
frenum, and there may be one, or half a dozen, at the 
same time. 

3. Phagedenic chancres ! These are rapid in their pro- 
gress, corroding or eating away the neighbouring parts. 
They sometimes become sloughing, that is, small patches 
of the surrounding tissue die, and separate, or slough 
away from the living tissue. Sometimes they spread ex- 
tensively under the skin, at other times they eat -deeply 
into the substance of the penis. The edges are irregular 
and ragged, and the discharge thin, bloody and profuse. 
They are exceedingly painful, and always dangerous, 
sometimes destroying large portions, and occasionally the 
whole of the virile member. The malignant character of 



358 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

these ulcers may arise from some vicious condition of the 
constitution and the genital organs, or inappropriate, med- 
dlesome treatment, or some peculiar malignancy in the in- 
fectious matter. Either of the other chancres wanting 
proper treatment, may take on the phagedenic or sloughing 
condition at any time during their ulcerative stages. 
Druitt, an English author, says, " There is reason to be- 
lieve that intercourse between foreigners gives rise to a 
very destructive kind of poison. The venereal secretions 
of the Portuguese women appear to have been horribly 
deleterious to the British soldiers during the Peninsular 
war, who gave the expressive name of The Black Lion to 
the sloughing sores that resulted from connexion with 
them." 

A chancre, and gonorrhoea, are sometimes contracted at 
the same filthy intercourse, and coexist in the same pa- 
tient, as a liberal reward for his deeds of dirty daring. 
Such cases have often fallen under our notice. A chancre 
may be found within the urethra near the end of the penis, 
but entirely concealed from the observation of the patient, 
and the discharge mistaken by the inattentive physician, 
as well as the patient, for a gonorrheal discharge ; and 
being treated for a gonorrhoea, the patient would be likely, 
in due time, to be afflicted with all the horrors of constitutional 
syphilis without knowing that he had ever been infected 
with primary syphilis. In like manner a chancre in the 
vagina, or upon the neck of the womb, producing little 
pain in those situations — the principal symptom being a 
elight purulent discharge from the vagina, may be unob- 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 359 

served, and unsuspected, and allowed to run on till her 
entire system is polluted with the disease, and her health 
destroyed for life.* A careful medical examination when 
the patient has reason to suspect that she has been con- 
taminated, and a thorough course of treatment when 
chancres are formed in those situations, are the only safe- 
guards within her reach. We would raise no useless alarm 
here, but we have seen so many women literally rotten with 
constitutional syphilis, who were entirely unaware of their 
real condition, or that they had ever been affected with a 
"bad disease, ' ' that we cannot withhold this word of ad- 
vice and caution. 

As one of the results of a chancre, and not sufficiently 
remote, nor of a nature to be classed among the constitu- 
tional symptoms, we may name the formation of bubo. 
We have already spoken of gonorrhoeal buboes, and some 
of the differences between them and a syphilitic bubo, the 
latter always being produced by the absorption of the 
poisonous matter of a chancre. A lymphatic vessel or 
gland enlarged by such a cause constitutes a true syphilitio 
bubo ; hence we may have a bubo of the penis running 
along the course of a lymphatic vessel ; but its usual seat 
is in the groins, It usually makes its appearance about 
the time the chancre ceases to ulcerate. If we take a 
little matter from a bubo after it has reached the ulcerative 
stage, and insert it beneath the cuticle, we can produce a 
true chancre like the first. A syphilitic bubo without good 
treatment usually bursts and displays . a foul, copper- 
colored, running sore. If acute, there is usually but one, 



360 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM: 

nearly always situated above Poupart's ligament ; if chronic, 
there may be more than one. These latter generally occur 
in weak, scrofulous constitutions, or in constitutions satu- 
rated with mercury, or vitiated and broken down by in- 
temperance. The glands slowly enlarge; at length the 
skin inflames ; next portions of the skin die and slough 
away, exposing extensive, indolent, loathsome ulcers, that 
are very obstinate in healing, lasting, perhaps, for months. 

But a chancre and a bubo though distressing and loath- 
some in the extreme, are trifling disorders, in themselves 
considered, compared with constitutional syphilis. The 
great danger of the primary disease, is the pollution of the 
general system. If the constitution is viciated by habits 
of sensualism, or if the patient is fool enough to undertake 
the management of his own case, or to submit himself to 
the treatment of mere charlatans, or if mercury is admin- 
istered in large doses when contra-indicated, the primary 
ulcer becomes obstinate and persistent, the poisonous 
matter is absorbed into the system, and viciates the blood, 
deranges the nervous centres, perverts all the structure of 
the body, to make its outward appearance, in due time, in 
various horrible forms. 

The symptoms of constitutional syphilis are usually di- 
vided into the secondary and tertiary ; the former relating 
to those which follow close upon the primary disease, af- 
fecting the skin, mucous membranes, etc. ; the latter re- 
lating to those more remote, affecting the bones, and other 
deep-seated tissues and. organs. But the time of their 
appearance, their order of sequence, etc., is very uncer- 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 361 

tain, mixed, and confused, and, therefore, without regard 
to this division, we shall proceed to notice briefly some of 
these symptoms. 

Usually, in six or eight weeks after the primary disease, 
sometimes earlier, and, at other times, much later, the 
patient becomes dispirited, his sleep is disturbed, his eyes 
have a dull, heavy appearance ; he loses his appetite, begins 
to waste away in flesh, experiences a sense of general lassi- 
tude or weariness, and may have night sweats, rheumatic 
pains, etc. We may now look out for a crop of skin dis- 
eases, affections of the throat, etc. 

In the mildest cases, we may find nothing but a mottled 
condition of the skin ; in other cases we find brownish, dirty, 
copper-colored patches, slightly elevated above the sur- 
rounding surface ; or, there may be an eruption of pimples, 
varying in size from a pin's head to a large pea succeeded 
by scabs. We may also have copper-colored blotches of a 
scaly character, succeeded by scabs, which fall off, and 
expose shallow ulcers with copper-colored edges. In still 
severer cases, we have a vesicular eruption. These arfe 
filled with semen, which gradually becomes purulent, 
and dries into thick, dirty looking scabs, while the ulcers 
extend beneath them, and when the scabs fall off they 
leave dirty, foul, circular ulcers, of various sizes and ob- 
stinately indisposed to heal. 

We may have sore throat at any time after the consti- 
tution becomes tainted. Sometimes it appears before the 
eruption upon the surface, at other times not till a later 
period. It may be cured, but unless the syphilitic taint 



362 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

is entirely subdued, or eradicated from the system, it may 
reappear, from time to time, to harass and torment the 
patient. In the mildest cases there may be a little in- 
flammation and excoriation of the mucous membrane of the 
tonsils, or some part of the fauces or mouth. But we 
more frequently find ulcers upon the tonsils, fauces, and 
pharynx, with ragged, elevated edges, covered by a loath- 
some, ash-colored matter, and surrounded by an unhealthy 
livid appearance of the mucous membrane. Occasionally 
these ulcers become sloughing and extend rapidly, giving 
rise to great pain and difficulty in swallowing, and more or 
less constitutional disturbance. One of these may open 
into the lingual artery, and prove fatal by hemorrhage ; or 
it may be situated upon the glottis, and the contractions, 
which take place in healing, may be sufficient to obstruct 
the passage of air to the lungs, producing death by suffo- 
cation. 

The nasal appendage is liable to a foul attack at this 
time, or at any subsequent period when the constitutional 
disease shows itself. It usually commences with dryness 
and sniffing, followed by a discharge of offensive matter. 
Ulceration may extend to the bones of the nose, causing 
its bridge *to fall in, and producing the most odious de- 
formity. Sometimes the whole nose is destroyed. The 
eyes may also be affected with a disease called iritis, giving 
them a peculiar, disagreeable appearance, and producing 
more or less derangement of vision. The testes may enlarge 
from the effects of chronic inflammation, and become very 
painful, especially at night ; or they may waste away, till 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 363 

they almost entirely disappear ; or malignant disease may 
be induced, rendering their removal necessary to save the 
life of the patient. The glands of the neck may inflame 
and enlarge, and abscesses may be formed which become 
indolent and obstinate in healing. 

The formation of tubercles should always be looked upon 
as an unfavorable 'symptom. These consist of a feebly 
organized substance, appearing to have the consistence of 
cheese, varying in size from the smallest pea to a chestnut, 
but without any definite form. They soften sooner or 
later, suppurate and form deep irregular ulcers of a loath-, 
some and obstinate character. They may belong to the 
secondary or tertiary symptoms, and may appear upon the 
surface of the body, or in the deep-seated tissues. Ricord has 
found tubercles in the brain that he believed to have a 
syphilitic origin. More frequently, however, they are 
found upon the cheeks, at the alse of the nose, upon the 
tongue and the palate. We have seen the most foul, of- 
fensive, and dangerous ulcers of the tongue produced by 
patches of these tubercles; they often destroy the soft 
palate and the bones, leaving a hideous chasm in the upper 
part of the mouth, destroying the patient's voice, etc. 
Copper-colored tubercles may also be found about the 
anus, the genital organs, upon the arms, and the legs, etc. , 
either alone, or accompanied with other skin diseases. 

In bad cases the hair and eyebrows may fall out, and a 
scurf form upon the scalp ; the roots of the nails become 
inflamed, and the nails themselves become brittle, easily 
crack or break, and even fall out. But these symptoms 



304 , THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

are rather unfrequent. Diseases of the bones, however, 
are a very common symptom of constitutional syphilis, 
and may occur at a very remote period after the primary 
affection. The bones situated superficially are most liable 
to venereal disease. The tibia, and ulna, or bones of the 
legs; the clavicle or collar-bone ; and the frontal bone, or 
the bone which forms the forehead, are the most usual 
seats. The patient is first admonished of the disease by 
some tenderness of the affected bone, followed by severe 
pain, nearly or quite absent during the day, but returning 
in the evening to torment the patient through the night. 
The pains are shortly accompanied with swellings known 
as nodes, and if the disease continues to advance the 
periosteum or membrane covering the bone is destroyed, 
and a foul, profuse, obstinate, and painful abscess is es- 
tablished called caries of the bone. There may be a num- 
ber of openings for such abscesses. Sometimes portions 
of the bone die and separate from the sound bone, coming 
away themselves through the opening in the soft tissues, 
on being removed by the practitioner; this is called 
necrosis of the bone. At other times there will be an ac- 
tual hypertrophy, or increase of the bulk of bone, which 
is termed exostosis of the bone. If the disease is situated 
upon the forehead, or any other part of the cranium, death 
may ensue from inflammation of the membranes of the 
brain, or the actual protrusion of the brain through the 
aperture in the skull. Such cases are not so common now 
as formerly, but they occur every now and then, and are 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 365 

found in our college museums telling a silent but tearful 
story of the ravages of this hateful disease. 

In addition to the foregoing symptoms we sometimes 
have certain warty and vegetative excrescences, soft, fun- 
gous, coper-colored elevations called condyloma, and 
aphthous eruptions about the anus, upon the genitals, be- 
tween the fingers, etc., which are perfectly manageable 
under a skillful course of treatment; but, if neglected, 
exceedingly annoying and destructive to the patient. 

The observing physician is constantly meeting with pa- 
tients in the streets of our large towns more or less marked 
with the external evidences of syphilitic disease ; but the 
bad cases are crowded off into our hospitals, or sick at 
their homes, the medical man assigning some other cause 
for their sickness out of respect for the patient and his 
family. The reader must not, therefore, suppose that 
these things seldom exist, because he is seldom made 
acquainted with them in his daily intercourse with the 
world ; for such things are the arcana of the profession, 
and carefully concealed from everybody except the medical 
attendant. Drunkenness and venereal diseases are fre- 
quent causes of death in our large towns; but they seldom 
appear in our bills of mortality, the physicians being de- 
terred by public sentiment, and a proper regard for the 
friends of the deceased, from assigning either of these 
causes of death in his certificate of burial. 

But we sometimes find patients whose entire systems 
are tainted with the venereal poison, still nearly or quite 
free from the usual external symptoms of the disease. 



366 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

Their general health is bad, their appetite fails, they lose 
flesh, become dispirited, are, perhaps, a little jaundiced 
and dyspeptic, and subject to ill turns from every slight 
exposure ; and unless their true condition is discovered, 
and they are put through a thorough course of treatment, . 
they will always be complaining, often down sick, and 
transmit their disease to their offspring. In such cases, as 
well as those marked by severe external symptoms, the 
patient may suffer from a sort of syphilitic bronchitis, and 
the venereal poison may so affect the brain and nervous 
centres, as to produce general, or local, paralysis, and 
terminate, or render still more miserable, his unhappy ex- 
istence. 

But one of the most melancholy results of constitutional 
syphilis is the transmission of the disease from the parents 
to their offspring. Everybody knows that certain diseases 
are hereditary, and none possesses this character more de- 
cidedly than the one under consideration. The syphilitic 
poison once having contaminated the system of the parent 
and not having been perfectly eradicated is sure to make 
its appearance, with more or less severity, in their children 
— a most fearful cause of death among young children in 
our large towns, though not appearing in our bills of mor- 
tality. Sometimes the foetus dies in the womb, and is ex- 
pelled before full term, usually at the seventh or eighth 
month, with all the evidences of death by syphilis, such 
as decomposition, copper- colored blotches, etc. At other 
times the child is born alive, with all the symptoms of 
syphilis at the time of birth, or soon afterwards to be de- 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 367 

veloped. The eyes are inflamed, the iiostrils are stuffed 
with fetid matter, copper-colored blotches appear upon the 
surface, the cry is low, husky, murmuring, and hoarse, 
and fortunately the little contaminated innocent usually 
wastes away and dies. Sometimes the child is plump 
and fat, and apparently healthy at the time of birth, 
having none of the external symptoms of syphilitic dis- 
ease ; but in two or three months grows sick, wastes away, 
and dies, the doctor himself often being at a loss to under- 
stand the cause of death. In such cases a thorough course 
of enlightened treatment administered to the infant di- 
rectly, and indirectly through the mother or nurse, will 
often save the child, and, perhaps, insure its future health 
and vigor; but to insure a future progeny that will be 
clean and healthy at the time of birth, the treatment must 
be directed to the parents, or, at least, to that parent who 
has been the victim of syphilitic disease. After the birth 
of an unclean child, the husband and wife must live apart, 
and be placed under a thorough course of alterative treat- 
ment ; and when the physician has reason to believe the 
cure complete, they can resume the marital rights, and if* 
the treatment had been thorough and skillful, the next 
child will be free from all venereal taint. Though the wife 
may never have been afflicted with primary syphilis, her 
system may have been impressed with the constitutional 
disease through her husband, or the foetus in utero, and 
the skillful physician will usually deem it prudent to pre- 
scribe a course of treatment for both parties. This is no 
fimcy sketch, but enters largely into the practice of every 



368 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

eminent physician in our large towns, and the results are 
always as we have stated — the birth and growth of healthy 
children. 

But one of the peculiarities of constitutional syphilis is 
its latent condition. It may remain in the system for years 
in a perfectly quiescent or inactive state to be developed 
in the future offspring, the first, perhaps, having escaped 
contamination. We have a case on record as an example : 
A gentleman had contracted syphilis two years before his 
marriage, but considered himself cured. His first two 
children bore no marks of the disease, but on the contrary 
were the very models of health. The next £wo children 
were covered with syphilitic blotches, and soon died, the 
father, in the mean time, having contracted no new disease. 
The health of the mother also began to decline. They 
were separated, and both placed upon a - thorough course 
of treatment, and after the cure was judged to be complete 
they again lived together and had children entirely free 
from all syphilitic taint. 

Why this disease should lurk in the system for years, 
and not affect the first, but develop itself in subsequent 
offspring, we will not undertake to explain, but the fact is 
beyond all contradiction. It is impossible to trace, and 
fully explain all the symptoms and subtle workings of the 
venereal poison. Once having entered the system and im- 
pressed itself upon the blood, and all the tissues of the 
body, it may engender a thousand fierce symptoms, that 
most persons, and even practitioners, are likely to attribute 
to almost any other causes. So long as a germ of the dis- 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 369 

ease remains in the constitution a renewal of its action 
may be expected at any period, however remote, and its 
half-extinguished energy may again usurp its power. 

Again : — The tertiary form of constitutional syphilis — 
that is, when it is remote from the primary disease and 
characterized by affections of the bones, deep-seated tuber- 
cles, etc. — is not always transmitted to the offspring in the 
specific form of syphilis, but in the form of other diseases, 
especially scrofula, which itself is strongly hereditary. It 
is the opinion of many investigators that all scrofulous 
diseases originate in syphilis, at recent and remote periods, 
and though not susceptible of positive proof, there are 
gome reasons for adopting this view of the subject l; The 
analogy in the character of the two diseases. 2. We 
know that tertiary syphilis in one generation will produce 
scrofula in the next. And, 3. The great prevalence df 
syphilis in every age of which history gives us any account 
of man's follies and vices. The books of Moses are the 
most ancient, as well as the most reliable history extant ; 
and these, together with other portions of the Old Testa- 
ment, give us distinct traces of the virulence, and general 
prevalence, of venereal diseases, though not known by our 
modern names. As examples we refer the inquisitive to 
Leviticus, chapter xv. 1-15, and the^xxxviii. Psalm of 
David. Upon the former passage we make the following 
brief extract from the comments of the Rev. Dr. Adam 
Clarke, the learned commentator of the Bible : — 

" The disgraceful disorder referred to here is a foul blot, 
which the justice of Grod, in the course of providence, baa 
24 



370 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

made in general the inseparable consequence of tl 
criminal indulgences, and serves, in some measure, 
correct and restrain the vice itself. In countries where 
public prostitution was permitted, where it was even a 
religious ceremony among those who were idolaters, the 
disease must necessarily have been frequent and prevalent. 
When the pollutions and libertinism of former times are 
considered, it seems rather strange that medical men 
should have adopted the opinion, and consumed so much 
' time in endeavoring to prove it, viz. : that the disease is 
modern. It must have existed, in certain measures, ever 
^ince prostitution prevailed in the world, and this has been 
in every nation of the earth, from the earliest era. That 
the Israelites might have received it from the Egyptians, 
and that it must, through the Baal-peor and Ashtaroth 
abominations, which they learned and practiced, have pre- 
vailed among the Moabites 3 etc., there can be little reason 
, to doubt." 

With reference to the treatment of syphilis, a few general 
observations, if properly heeded, may be an incalculable 
benefit to such unfortunates. And first, let it be indelibly 
impressed upon the minds of our patients, that the more 
speedily primary syphilis is cured, the less danger there 
will be that the poisondfrom the chancre or bubo will enter 
into and contaminate the general system. If the patient 
has been exposed to the cause, and is wide awake to his 
danger, he will usually discover the chancre when it is but 
a pimple, or a mere excoriation, and without delay apply 
to a physician of character for its cure. At that early 



INFECTIOUS 8EXUAL DISEASES. 371 

stage the chancre can at once be removed, and the system 
protected against the liability of constitutional disease. 
This, therefore, is a great advantage in the treatment of 
this disease, depending altogether upon the vigjrtance and 
discretion of the patient. 

And here we would remark that primary syphilis-, cha- 
racterized by the chancre, and, perhaps, a bubo, cannot be 
treated properly without the presence of the patient* as 
certain applications, together with the other treatment,, 
cannot, with safety, be omitted* nor entrusted to any othac 
person ; but constitutional syphilis- of every variety* in the 
parents, or their children, or other persons, as well as gleet,, 
irritable bladder, seminal weakness, impotency* sterility* 
etc. , etc. , can be treated with perfect success, by corres- 
pondence, or through some friend of the patient, where a 
personal interview is impracticable. Our success* in this 
kind of practice enables us always to guarantee great relief, 
and usually a permanent cure, when patients follow our 
simple directions — of course* we can promise nothing to 
others. Among physicians who have distinguished them- 
selves in any special department of medicine, this kind of 
practice is no new thing under the sun* having only of late 
been brought into disrepute by the attempts- of mere 
charlatans to play upon the fears and credulities of the* 
people — but let the evil rest where it belongs. 

We would especially warn patients to avoid all illegiti- 
mate medical treatment, whether for primary or constitu- 
tional syphilis,, or other dangerous diseases. By illegiti- 
mate treatment we mean the attempts of patients to 



372 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

manage their own cases, and the interference of mere pre- 
tenders to medical science, usually known as charlatans, 
empirics, and by many other names. Without an intimate 
knowledge of the nature of the disease, or the action of 
powerful remedies upon the system, of the conditions, 
which modify the action of such remedies — for such per- 
sons to turn these potent agents for good or evil against 
themselves is a species of weakness truly pitiable.. At- 
tempts at self-cure are too frequently finished in self- 
destruction. It has been said that in the practice of 
law, he who conducts his own case, has a fool for a 
client; and much more emphatically will the assertion 
apply to those who turn in weakness and suffering their ill- 
judged remedies against themselves — surely he who doctors 
himself has a fool for a patient. 

The abuse of mercury has been productive of great 
mischief, both in the hands of practitioners and patients, 
who have undertaken to cure themselves. Under the 
mistaken notion that it is an antidote for venereal diseases, 
the untutored have supposed th.at in order to effect a cure 
it would be necessary only to saturate the system well with 
this drug ; or, if prejudiced against mercury, they hare 
supposed they could effect a cure by persevering in the 
use of some of those advertised nostrums, the basis of 
which is always mercurial, though professedly vegetable 
and harmless, and so thousands have been mercurialized 
out of the world annually; or their constitutions have 
been so broken down, and the functions of the system so 
impaired, as to render the remainder of life miserable. 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 2T?> 

We fully coincide with the following passage from the 
published lectures of Dr. Dickson, formerly a medical 
officer on the British staff: — "As the non-mercurial 
treatment of primary sores gained ground, secondary symp- 
toms — or, more correctly speaking, what were formerly 
mistaken as such — diminished at the same rate. Many 
of these mis-called secondary symptoms have only lately 
been found out, in many cases, to be the primary symp- 
toms of bad practice. Yes, the rotten skulls found in 
anatomical museums with all their beautiful specimens of 
diseased bones, which in our younger days were so abun- 
dant in our hospitals, in the great majority of cases, were 
the productions of long and harassing courses of mercury. 
When the mercurial treatment was most in vogue, 
secondary symptoms were most numerous; but the medical 
men of that day, the blind devotees of Hunter, supposed 
them to be the result of too little mercury having been 
employed in the primary treatment. These practitioners 
resembled the celebrated Sangrado, who, when his patients 
died, after he had drawn almost every drop of blood from 
their bodies, and drenched them with warm water while 
they were able to swallow it, declared their deaths could 
not have happened if they had been sufficiently bled, or 
had taken warm water enough.' ' 

Dr. Dickson was a regular physician, whose motto was 
progress. He did not condemn the judicious use, but 
the shameful abuse, of mercury. In a majority of cases 
syphilis can be successfully treated without a particle of 
this drug ; in some cases it produces positive injury, while 



374 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

in others it produces the greatest benefits, nay, is indis- 
pensable. But the selection of such cases and the judicious 
administration of the remedy — the form of preparation, 
the size of the dose, the length of time it should be con- 
tinued, etc., — requires all the discrimination of the expe- 
rienced physician. Thus employed it never produces any 
bad effects. Not a single case has ever come under our 
observation, in hospital or private practice, where this 
remedy produced any unfavorable results, when properly 
employed. To get all the benefits it is capable of effecting 
it is never necessary to carry it to the extent of producing 
salivation, or even touching the mouth. But without 
such discrimination there is danger in its employment, for 
it is among the edged tools of physic requiring to be 
wielded by a competent and practiced hand. 

There are two classes of medical men to whom such 
patients should never apply for treatment, if they can find 
the third class, One is the general practitioner, who has 
neither time nor disposition to bestow proper attention 
upon the diseases under consideration ; for no physician, 
however worthy and learned, can treat these diseases suo- 
cessfully unless he makes them a special study and has 
much practice in this department of medicine. In our 
large towns such cases are usually declined by the con- 
scientious physician engaged in general practice. The 
other class comprises those who have not received a regular 
medical education, and those who take upon themselves 
all manner of silly names for the purpose of misrepre- 
sentation and humbug. Be assured, reader, that a physi- 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 375 

cian of character, who has ability to succeed in the regular 
profession of medicine will be slow to identify himself with 
any new sect. His motto will be progress, not revolution, 
for there can be no such thing in science. All such ir- 
regulars are sadly deficient in the accurate discrimination 
of the varieties and changes in diseases bearing the same 
name, and indicating a difference of treatment. Their 
practice is never safe. 

A collegiate medical education is highly important that 
the young practitioner may feel how little he knows, and 
be prepared to start right in the prosecution of his studies 
when he assumes the responsibilities of* a physician. 
Some years ago twenty candidates for the honors of the 
medical department of one of our universities were re- 
jected on account of their inability to pass a satisfactory 
examination, and we suppose those poor fellows were ever 
after in the habit of speaking in the most contemptuous 
terms of* college diplomas, etc. 

We knew a man in an obscure country town, push him- 
self into the practice of physic without even having seen 
the inside of a college, or hospital, or having devoted 
himself to medical study in any other- way, except to read 
a few such books as " every man his own doctor/ ' etc. 
Of course, he was out against the "regulars," and, by 
some stupid people, regarded as a skillful physician, and, 
in their estimation, actually placed above an old physician 
of attainments, residing at the village beyond. Now a 
change of circumstances soon brought to this man r s door 
a handsome fortune, thus placing in his hands the mean* 



376 THE SEXUAL SYSTEM. 

of becoming a regular himself, and having sufficient ambi- 
tion to make the best of what he possessed, after some 
preparatory study, assisted by the old doctor at the village, 
he started off for college, where, to his great mortification, 
he soon found he knew far less than any boy who had 
studied one year with a regular physician before entering 
college. He was heartily ashamed of his former position, 
studied well, felt his need of all the advantages within his 
reach, and, in due time, became a respectable practitioner 
of medicine, and never felt his importance so much after- 
wards. 

These pseudo-doctors, in our large towns, usually adver- 
tise for the treatment of venereal and other secret diseases ; 
in the country, they not unfrequently become family phy- 
sicians, and because patients sometimes recover, in spite 
of their interference, or without judicious medical treat- 
ment, it is supposed they possess remarkable skill ; and, 
if we give them the credit of curing all who recover in 
their hands, and ascribe to an over-ruling Providence the 
death of all who die, they will, indeed, pass for very good 
doctors. 

Could the reader see one tithe of the principles and 
facts, and the deductions from such principles and facts, 
which must be thoroughly learned, to enable a man to 
stand in the regular profession as a good physician, espe- 
cially in our large towns, he would be shocked and indig- 
nant at the pretensions, misrepresentations, frauds, and 
falsehoods of charlatans. How important, therefore, that 
every person afflicted with any sort of infirmity, or 



INFECTIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES. 377 

disease of the sexual system, should endeavor to place 
himself entirely in the hands of a regularly qualified phy- 
sician, whose learning, skill and integrity is a sufficient 
guarantee of secrecy, and a proper course of treatment. 

As it respects our own practice, we will here state, that 
no silly affectation, or extreme modesty influences us to 
withhold a truthful statement of our qualifications and 
success. If close application to study, together with the 
advantages of the best medical institutions in the world, 
and long-continued, untiring, and laborious pursuit of 
medical knowledge in after-life, afford any assurances of 
ability and success, as such we submit the statement to 
our readers. Patients who place themselves entirely under 
our treatment, can always rely upon secrecy, humanity, 
and prompt attention in the management of their cases. 
Success is our constant motto, compared with which all 
other things in our profession dwindle away to insignifi- 
cance. Our constant purpose is to cure our patients, but 
this requires their own concurrence, discretion, and pru- 
dence in carrying out our directions and plan of treatment. 
Those patients, therefore, who are afflicted with chronic 
diseases of long standing, and lack the resolution and 
judgment to continue a well-devised plan of treatment 
long enough to experience its full benefits, are requested 
not to trouble us with their complaints or their fees ; for 
we rather lose a dozen fees than fail in the successful treat- 
ment of one of the least of our patients. i 


















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